IRS turned the challenging demands of the pandemic into opportunities

In this issue of A Closer Look, Harrison Smith, co-director, IRS Enterprise Digitalization and Case Management Office, discusses how the immediate need to minimize in-person contact to protect taxpayers and employees led the IRS to take steps toward increasing digital interactions.

The immediate need to minimize in-person contact to protect taxpayers and their employees led the IRS to take steps toward increasing digital interactions. They have learned digital options are fundamental to tax administration and are offering these flexibilities as they apply them to their programs. Highlighted are two options available now and worthy of a Closer Look: using electronic or digital signatures on certain paper-filed forms and emailing documents to resolve examination and collection activities. These expanded digital options enhance the taxpayer experience and build upon the earlier addition of new virtual services and online tools like electronic signatures for third party authorizations and an online account for tax professionals.