If you own a small business or are self-employed, you know that the tax questions and issues you face can be complex and challenging. From figuring out Coronavirus tax relief issues to complex payroll and trust account issues, sometimes it can be difficult to get the answers you need and report problems you encounter. That’s why the Internal Revenue Service created the IRS Stakeholder Liaison. These liaisons work closely with organizations and tax professionals to ensure that they understand IRS tax policy and can help small business owners and self-employed taxpayers with complex tax situations.
The IRS Stakeholder Liaison
The IRS Stakeholder Liaisons build relationships with community tax practitioners and industry organizations that work with small businesses and self-employed taxpayers. The Stakeholder Liaisons work to educate taxpayers and the organizations that work with them about IRS policies, procedures, and practices that help ensure individuals and businesses comply with U.S. tax laws. The Stakeholder Liaisons typically work directly with tax practitioners and industry organizations, not with taxpayers, but you can report problems with tax administration to the liaisons.
Some of the organizations that work with Stakeholder Liaisons include professional organizations such as:
- American Bar Association Section of Taxation,
- American Payroll Association,
- National Association of Enrolled Agents,
- National Society of Accountants,
- National Association of Tax Professionals, and
- National Conference of CPA Practitioners, among others.
Issue Management Resolution System
Another important function of the IRS Stakeholder Liaisons is tracking, responding to, and resolving issues stakeholders discover in tax administration. The Issue Management Resolution System (IMRS) is an internal database used by Stakeholder Liaisons to address problems identified by stakeholders. IRMS allows Stakeholder Liaisons to identify issues and resolve and respond to them quickly. IRMS also allows Stakeholder Liaisons to elevate widespread issues currently affecting taxpayers. There are Stakeholder Liaisons in each of twelve areas across the country, so tax professionals and organizations can report issues they encounter with tax administration.
Hire an Experienced Tax Professional
If you’re a small business owner or are self-employed, you face unique tax issues. If you’re struggling to get the answers you need, it’s time to get advice and guidance from an experienced tax professional. Contact Highland Tax Group to schedule your consultation and see how we can help you.