Busy signals at the IRS

Individuals seeking answers to tax questions this season are going to have a tough time reaching someone at the IRS. The Internal Revenue Service has set a goal of connecting 71% of calls from taxpayers to an IRS employee, down from 83% in 2007, according to a report released last week by national taxpayer advocate Nina E. Olson, an independent watchdog within the IRS. “In other words, the IRS is planning to be unable to answer about three of every 10 calls it receives,” she said in a statement, noting that such poor phone service was “unacceptable” and the most serious problem faced by taxpayers. Callers that do get through can expect to be placed on hold for an average of 12 minutes before reaching an IRS worker. Dean Patterson, an IRS spokes-man, wasn't available to comment. One group not complaining about the IRS' inability to handle the barrage of phone calls from taxpayers this year is tax experts such as accountants, tax attorneys and financial planners. “I certainly think this will increase call volume for us,” said Tom Karsten, managing partner of financial planning firm Karsten Financial LP. “Whether it will convert to new business remains to be seen.”