The IRS's internal watchdog, the National Taxpayer Advocate, argues that these workers need guidance to get into compliance. A recent survey showed that slightly more than two-thirds of them get no tax assistance or information from the companies themselves.
And when they call the IRS, they're told that the agency isn't fielding tax questions over the phone or in person. Instead, they're simply urged to check out the agency's website.
National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson said the situation is “beyond unacceptable. It is absurd.”
Of course, the no-help situation extends to others who are not in the on-demand economy and have questions about employment tax issues. It is harder than ever to get help from the IRS, even when assistance is needed to resolve serious tax-related issues.
In many cases, the stakes are high; so high that a taxpayer opts for help from an experienced tax attorney rather than relying on assistance from the IRS. In many situations, people are coming to the realization that the IRS is understaffed, though it continues to conduct audits and investigations that can have serious repercussions for those under the spotlight.