U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) renewed concerns over the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) backlog of 11 million unprocessed tax returns and 1.3 million pieces of unopened mail as the new filing season begins.
Congresswoman Walorski joined Republican members of the Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee in sending a letter to IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig asking for a plan to resolve the backlog and deliver refunds still owed to individuals and businesses.
“Based on the latest numbers we have received, over 11 million individual and business returns remain unprocessed, even as the new tax filing season has already begun,” the members wrote. “We have heard from many constituents who filed their taxes last spring but are still awaiting refunds.”
Walorski also addressed the backlog of 1.3 million pieces of unopened mail during a subcommittee hearing on free tax preparation services available to taxpayers during the pandemic.
“I continue to hear from constituents who are being directly impacted by the mail backlog,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “Over the course of the past year, my caseworkers and I have heard stories from
Hoosiers in my district who are facing financial difficulties due to the pandemic but have yet to receive the tax refund they’re owed. These are folks who need their refunds urgently and can’t afford any delays. They need swift action so they can continue to put food on the table and provide for their families.”
