FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2026
Contact: Mandi Critchfield, (202) 224-4515, [email protected]
Finance-passed policies would modernize IRS operations, strengthen taxpayer rights
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) today announced the Committee has reported the legislative text of the Taxpayer Assistance and Service (TAS) Act, which it overwhelmingly approved in July. The TAS Act would modernize Internal Revenue Service (IRS) operations and improve taxpayer services, creating a more efficient and transparent tax administration system.
“This bipartisan legislation answers years of frustration felt by Americans trying to do their best to follow our tax laws,” said Crapo. “The TAS Act will improve communication between the IRS and taxpayers and ensure taxpayers have timely access to expert assistance, among many other improvements, making the tax system fairer and more efficient. I look forward to advancing the TAS Act toward its enactment after this years-long effort.”
“Millions of Americans are struggling with the rising cost of living, and the last thing they need is to be hit by tax scammers who are able to dodge IRS scrutiny,” said Wyden. “Our bipartisan legislation makes it easier for Americans to get filing assistance and ensures refunds get out the door and into Americans’ hands on time. Americans deserve a fair and efficient federal tax system that protects them from bad actors.”
Included in the legislation are provisions to digitize tax returns to support faster refunds, upgrade IRS online accounts, expand IRS callback options and protect fraud victims from indefinite IRS scrutiny. The bill has a strong coalition of supporters, including leading tax practitioners, the nonpartisan National Taxpayer Advocate and many other organizations.
On July 30, the Finance Committee favorably reported the Chairman’s proposal with a vote of 26-1.
The legislative text can be found here.
Additional information on the Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act can be found here.
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About Mike Crapo
Senator Mike Crapo has represented Idaho in the Senate since 1999, following three terms in the U.S. House and eight years in the Idaho State Senate. A lifelong Idahoan, he currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.
