Hudson Encourages Electronic Tax Filing Amid IRS Backlog

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC) is encouraging constituents to file taxes electronically as the IRS faces an ongoing backlog. January 24th marked the first day of the 2022 tax filing season, which has a deadline of April 18, 2022.

"Families, businesses and all taxpayers deserve certainty from the federal government. That's why I am working to hold the IRS accountable to solve its unacceptable backlog of cases," said Rep. Hudson. "As the 2022 tax filing season begins, I encourage everyone to file electronically to avoid unnecessary delays. Additionally, my office is always available to help answer questions."

Rep. Hudson has remained focused on addressing the backlog of cases pending at the IRS. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rep. Hudson's office has experienced an 800% increase in IRS cases. Nationwide, there are currently an estimated 16 million total returns which remain outstanding.

Last month, Rep. Hudson wrote IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig about the backlog saying, "This massive backlog is causing significant and unnecessary burdens for families and small businesses who can’t get answers from the IRS about why their returns have not been processed. The IRS is in danger of falling into a vicious backlog cycle that will harm millions of taxpayers."

In the letter, Rep. Hudson also asked the IRS for responses on what the agency is doing to resolve issues with returns that were suspended while processing during the 2021 filing season, what the IRS is doing to ensure their employees are returning for in-person work, and what the IRS will do for taxpayers who have 2020 or 2019 returns that have not yet been processed.

For the 2022 tax filing season, Rep. Hudson is reminding filers to use an e-file tool and collect all documents prior to filing. Other helpful tools from the IRS can be found here.

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