BAINBRIDGE – This week, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) sent a letter to the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Charles Rettig, and Secretary of the U.S. Department of Treasury, Steven Mnuchin, and called on them to address the inaccessibility of the IRS system for COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments (EIPs). Specifically, the letter seeks options for individuals without broadband internet to access this system, as the only way for Americans to currently track their stimulus payments, or update their banking and address information to ensure their EIPs arrive, is online.

 

“EIPs were designed to support vulnerable Americans in need during this unprecedented time, yet tools such as the ‘Get My Payment’ option on IRS.gov are only available online with no alternative for those without internet,” said Joyce. “There are many Ohioans who don’t have internet access during the COVID-19 pandemic, including those in rural communities that lack broadband infrastructure as well as low-income families who don’t have internet in their homes and can no longer access it in public places such as libraries or community centers. These are the very people who cannot wait another until next filing season for support. Immediate action needs to be taken to address this inaccessibility and create an alternative method so that vulnerable Ohioans have the support they need to make it through this crisis.”

 

Signed by a total of 21 bipartisan Members of Congress, the letter:

1. Requests that the IRS consider creating a telephone hotline option to serve rural and low-income constituents;
2. Suggests allowing furloughed IRS employees to assist these constituents; and
3. Asks the IRS to allow congressional offices to update information or track payments on constituents’ behalf.

 

The full text of the letter can be found here.

 

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