Senate Finance Committee leaders from both parties have introduced the Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act, a 162-page draft bill to update IRS procedures and modernize tax management according to CPA Practice Advisor. Chairman Michael D. Crapo of Idaho and ranking member Ron Wyden of Oregon combine earlier bills with new ideas from the National Taxpayer Advocate to create a broad plan focused on improving the taxpayer experience and increasing oversight.  

Key parts of the bill include more digital tax return options, a public dashboard showing call column, and improved online accounts for taxpayers. The bill would also increase penalties for tax preparers who break the rules and add more requirements for getting a preparer tax ID number. National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins said the bill “would strengthen taxpayer rights, reduce taxpayer burden and improve tax administration,” and that it “incorporates dozens of commonsense proposals to make tax administration fairer, more transparent, and more responsive to taxpayers.” 

The bill also adds a rule to extend tax deadlines for Americans who are held hostage or wrongfully detained in other countries, a measure that did not pass in earlier efforts. Finance Committee leaders called this a practical reform, not a political move. Crapo said, “The process of filing your tax return and receiving your refund should be simple and fast,” and explained that these changes are meant to help the IRS serve taxpayers better nationwide.  

The National Association of Tax Professionals supports the bill and highlighted the need for ongoing education linked to PTIN eligibility. CEO Scott Artman said that strong education standards are key to maintaining trust in the profession.