Systemic Advocacy Objectives describe objectives for which TAS will advocate to improve tax administration on behalf of taxpayers and to address systemic issues causing taxpayer burden, harm, or a negative impact on taxpayer rights. Similar to the way TAS identifies Most Serious Problems in the Annual Report to Congress, the National Taxpayer Advocate calls upon a multitude of sources to assist in identifying key Systemic Advocacy Objectives, including the experience of TAS staff, trends in advocacy efforts and TAS casework, and interactions with practitioners and external stakeholders.

TAS’s Systemic Advocacy Objectives for FY 2026 are:

1. Improve Automation and Metrics to Enhance the Taxpayer Experience
2. Expand IRS Online Account Functionality
3. Reduce Average Time to Resolve Identity Theft Victim Assistance Cases From Nearly Two Years to Four Months
4. Strengthen IRS Oversight of Unethical Tax Return Preparers
5. Expedite Resolution of Centralized Authorization File Number Suspensions to Protect Tax Professionals and Taxpayers
6. Complete Processing of All Employee Retention Credit Claims and Ensure Taxpayer Rights Are Protected
7. Improve Responses to Freedom of Information Act Requests
8. Strengthen Appeals’ Independence and Operational Efficiency
9. Improve the IRS’s Criminal Voluntary Disclosure Practice

Read All TAS Systemic Advocacy Objectives