New Internal Revenue Service Commissioner, John Koskinen, delivered a special message to the nation via the IRS YouTube channel. For many this is a video of first impressions.
On a side note, I’m not sure what the point of these videos is because regular taxpayers don’t watch them and those people that do watch (tax attorneys, CPAs, enrolled agents, and general tax professionals) don’t really benefit, as these videos normally consist of a series of ambiguous soundbites.
Koskinen’s message falls in line with other IRS videos: positive and hopeful, but lacking any kind of substance. Here are the main points:
- He got right to work after being appointed to his new position
- He has been traveling around the nation taking the pulse of the IRS
- The IRS is here to help taxpayers during 2014 tax season
- Refunds will be issued quickly
- The IRS will work to reduce tax fraud and ID theft
- Over 120 million people filed their tax return electronically last year
- Resources are limited & there will be long wait times if you try to call
- Quicker way to get help: irs.gov, tax software, tax professionals, IRS YouTube channel, IRS2Go smartphone app
As the new Commissioner of the IRS, I want to be up front with you and call it like it is, just as I have been doing my entire career.
~ John Koskinen, IRS Commissioner
My mom always told me to be skeptical of phrases that are prefaced with “I’m gonna be honest with you,” but whatever. On the other hand, Koskinen was sufficiently stiff, boring, and unhappy in this video to convince me that he’s the right guy for the job. He’s going to fit in just fine at the IRS.