By Carson Swick
Baltimore Sun
(TNS)
Democrats from Maryland’s congressional delegation are calling on the Internal Revenue Service to speed up tax refunds for people facing financial challenges.
In a letter to the IRS Commissioner Billy Long Thursday, Maryland Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, as well as the state’s seven House Democrats, shared stories about taxpayers and business owners who submitted requests to expedite their tax returns but had to wait for years. One story described a single mother who submitted hardship documentation for her request in September 2024 but did not receive her federal tax return until February 2025.
“By the time a constituent has the required hardship documentation to expedite their case, they typically have 30 days at most before they and their families face serious distress, including homelessness,” the letter reads.
The lawmakers were also concerned about Maryland businesses that filed claims under the CARES Act, or American Rescue Plan, more than three years ago but have still not received funds. As a result, they urged Long to coordinate with Taxpayer Advocate Service to revise current procedures and prioritize these claims.
“Unfortunately, businesses that submitted proof of hardship, such as payroll documentation showing an inability to compensate employees or satisfy rent, have not seen quicker results than those without an expedited processing request,” the letter reads.
Trump IRS layoffs
Lawmakers noted their letter to Long comes as “recent IRS staffing challenges caused by the Trump Administration” have complicated the processing of outstanding tax refunds.
In May, CBS News reported the IRS had lost nearly one-third of its tax auditors under President Donald Trump’s efforts to cut the federal workforce through Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. Nearly 3,600 revenue agents left the IRS due to layoffs or deferred resignation plans, according to CBS.
- Related article: IRS Has Slashed 11% of Its Workforce as of March, TIGTA Says
In an X post Friday, Rep. Steny Hoyer, who represents much of Southern Maryland, called out Trump for firing “thousands of federal employees who process [tax] returns.”
The lawmakers’ letter concludes by asking Long to work with National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins to “review this process and advise how it can be improved” by July 31.
Photo caption: U.S. Sen. Angela D. Alsobrooks (D-Maryland) speaks during a meeting with constituents at Reginald F. Lewis Museum. (Karl Merton Ferron/The Baltimore Sun/TNS)
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©2025 Baltimore Sun. Visit baltimoresun.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC.
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