An Atlanta IRS tax center has become the center of drama and unrest after a letter about identification verification was sent to taxpayers. Some people who have already filed their taxes and are awaiting returns were sent a paper letter or an email from the IRS. The letter stated that they needed to contact the IRS before they could receive their tax return money. Once they contacted the necessary persons through the phone number provided, they were instructed to visit a local IRS office to verify their identification.
It is unclear why taxpayers had to physically show up with ID instead of verifying electronically. Apparently, a lot of people got the same notice. This caused a massive influx of frustrated people to show up at woefully understaffed centers, all wanting to accomplish the same task: identification verification to receive their tax return money. This same scenario took place in cities nationwide with a similar turnout and inability to get service.
SOURCES:
‘I want my money’: People spend hours in line outside Atlanta tax center for IRS help
Taxpayers turned away after waiting for help – YouTube
Lines grow at Houston IRS office as clock ticks for tax deadline – YouTube
Hundreds turned away from Atlanta IRS office as tax deadline looms
Office of Public Affairs | Tennessee Federal Court Bars the Owners of Mo’ Money Taxes from Owning, Operating, Licensing or Franchsing a Tax Return Preparation Business and Preparing Tax Returns for Others | United States Department of Justice
