Representative Lizzie Fletcher

Dear Neighbor,

The April 15 deadline to file taxes is just around the corner. I want to make sure you know about services offered by the IRS and the Taxpayer Advocate Service to help you.

Direct File allows people to file their taxes online, for free, and directly with the IRS. The Direct File tool provides eligible Texans with a simple and secure option to file their taxes. It’s available in English and Spanish and provides real-time online support from IRS customer service specialists. To find out if you’re eligible, visit directfile.irs.gov.

Last filing season, the IRS suspended nearly 2 million tax returns pending identity verification. These taxpayers had to take extra steps before their tax return could be processed. But there are a few things that taxpayers can do to help ensure your identity can be authenticated as quickly as possible. For more information on how to verify your identity, click here.

The IRS continues to see examples of how bad actors are targeting taxpayers with social media schemes. Every year, the IRS compiles a list of common scams that taxpayers may encounter. For a detailed description of some of the top scams to look out for, click here.

As you may know, the Trump administration recently laid off nearly 7,000 IRS employees and may order further staffing cuts. These actions could lead to delays in resolving tax return errors and issuing tax refunds. I am monitoring this situation closely, and I have joined my Democratic colleagues in efforts pressing the IRS Commissioner for answers about how the IRS will ensure effective service for taxpayers. With this in mind, I want to encourage you to file your taxes early.

As always, I am proud to represent you and I am here to help you. Please call my office at (713) 353-8680 or (202) 225-2571 or email here at any time to ask for assistance or share your thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,