Bill · H.R. 7971· House(119-HR-7971)
Taxpayer Experience Improvement Act
- Introduced
- 3/18/2026
- Last activity
- 4/28/2026 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Sponsored by
- David Schweikert
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- Passed House
- In Senate committee
What this bill would do
The Taxpayer Experience Improvement Act focuses on modernizing and improving the technological services provided by the Internal Revenue Service. It requires the establishment of a public dashboard to inform taxpayers about backlogs, wait times, and call statistics in real time. The bill expands electronic access to information regarding tax returns and refunds through a website and mobile application. It also calls for the expansion of callback technology so taxpayers can receive a return call if they have to wait on hold. Additionally, the legislation mandates the creation of expanded online accounts that allow taxpayers and authorized representatives to view documents, respond to notices, and manage multiple accounts efficiently.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+7
The bill mandates real-time public dashboards for IRS wait times, call volumes, and processing delays to increase agency transparency.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+4
Improved tracking of refunds and easier communication about suspended returns helps low-income households manage their finances more effectively.
Would middle-income households be better off under this?+4
Enhanced electronic access to tax returns and refund status provides better financial clarity for middle-income families.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Better Transparency on Wait Times: Under Section 2, the Internal Revenue Service must provide a real-time public dashboard showing phone wait times, number of callers, and past call performance statistics. This helps everyday people know what to expect before calling the Internal Revenue Service and holds the agency accountable for phone delays.
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Easier Tracking of Refunds: Under Section 3, the Internal Revenue Service is required to provide a website and mobile application giving taxpayers specific, up-to-date information on whether their return has been received, processed, or suspended. This gives people clear answers on when to expect their refund and exact details on where the money is going.
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Shorter Hold Times via Callbacks: Under Section 4, Congress expresses that taxpayers should have the option to receive a callback, and sets a goal for the Internal Revenue Service to provide callback options by 2028 for calls unanswered after five minutes. This saves people from sitting on hold for hours on end.
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Improved Online Account Access: Under Section 5, the Internal Revenue Service must launch a website or mobile application allowing taxpayers to view documents and respond to notices online. This also allows authorized tax professionals to access multiple taxpayer accounts at once, making it much easier for people to work with their tax preparers.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Privacy and Misuse Risks: Under Section 5(f), the legislation acknowledges potential risks by requiring the creation of an investigative program to handle unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of return information by designated third parties. While the program aims to address misconduct, the need for it highlights the risk that giving representatives broad account access could expose sensitive personal tax data to misuse.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Middle Class Households+4Good For Business Owners+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+7
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+3
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+2
- 4/28/2026
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- 4/27/2026
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3102-3103)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3102-3103)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7971.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3101-3104)
- Mr. Smith (MO) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 4/9/2026
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-607.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 527.
- 3/25/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 43 - 0.
- 3/18/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
3 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Donald BeyerDemocrat · Virginia