By Denise M. Holmes, CPA, Partner
By Denise M. Holmes, CPA, Tax Partner | Family, Executive & Entrepreneur Advisory Services Team
Is the IRS Making Taxpayer Matters Easier to Resolve? Yes—They Are!
Beginning in October 2020, for the first time, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is adding QR technology to notices sent to millions of taxpayers. Notices CP14 and CP14 IA, which inform taxpayers that they owe money on unpaid taxes and provide payment options, are now equipped with QR codes. Taxpayers can use their smartphones and their QR code to go directly to the IRS to access their account, set up payment plans, or contact a Taxpayer Advocate. This new process will give taxpayers direct access to the information they need to resolve their account balance online.
The new QR code will provide taxpayers a secure tool that can more easily help them resolve their tax matter. Adding the QR code to the notices provides access to an up-front resolution for many taxpayers…and helps to make the entire process easier!
What is a QR Code?
QR is short for “Quick Response” and can be read quickly by most smartphones. The codes are used to take a piece of information from a transitory media and put it into your cell phone.
The QR code works in the same way as a barcode at the supermarket. When your Smartphone scans the code, it translates the information into something that can be easily understood by humans.
Newer versions of smartphones have an integrated QR Code reader in the phone camera such as Bixby Vision for Samsung and the iOS 11 operating system for Apple. The good news– Scanning QR codes on Android/iPhones does not require an app.
We have all seen QR codes on:
- Business cards
- Product packaging
- SnapChat
- Contactless payment systems – PayPal and Venmo
With the the COVID-19 pandemic, touch-free powered solutions with QR Codes have come to our rescue. Across the globe, QR Codes are being used in contactless delivery, contactless pickup, and most importantly contactless payments.
How do Taxpayers leverage QR codes to make payments?
The IRS typically sends more than eight million CP14 notices each year. Adding a QR code to the notices allows taxpayers to go directly to payment options, including installment agreements. Learn more.
The IRS is also assessing the possibility of adding QR codes to other balance due notices in the future. The IRS is working to add security to all interactions given the prevalence of identity theft and other related financial scams.
Questions on this topic? Contact your Opportunity Advisor or Email, Call: 804.747.0000
Additional Taxpayer Resources:
About the Author
Denise M. Holmes, CPA, Partner
Denise serves a wide variety of industries with a major concentration in healthcare and medical practices. She shares her industry knowledge and tax expertise with physicians to assist them in reaching their personal and business financial goals. Some of her specialty areas with Keiter include consulting, compliance and tax research for individuals, partnerships, and S Corporations. She is the leader of Keiter’s Construction niche team.
More Insights from Denise M. HolmesThe information contained within this article is provided for informational purposes only and is current as of the date published. Online readers are advised not to act upon this information without seeking the service of a professional accountant, as this article is not a substitute for obtaining accounting, tax, or financial advice from a professional accountant.
