Grassley was one of the leading lawmakers behind a 1998 law that restructured the Internal Revenue Service. He sought changes to the nation's tax laws that would help put "service" back into the Internal Revenue Service.
"As a result of our bipartisan effort to shake up the federal tax collecting bureaucracy to curb taxpayer abuse, intimidation and mistreatment, the IRS instituted a national initiative to open up its doors at local service centers across the country," Grassley said.
The periodic weekend office hours provide working Americans the opportunity to meet face to face with IRS personnel to try and get their questions answered on the spot.
On Saturday, November 3, the IRS office in Des Moines will conduct another of its occasional "Problem Solving Days" from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to assist Iowans with problems or concerns they may have regarding their federal taxes. Although not necessary, Iowans can call toll-free (800) 829-1040 to make an appointment in advance.
In the last four years, roughly 65,000 taxpayers nationwide have taken advantage of these extended office hours and "walk-in" appointments to resolve issues with the IRS. The IRS office in Des Moines is located at 210 Walnut Street, Room 147.
Grassley said the Saturday event provides an opportunity for Iowans who are awaiting a previous year's tax refund or the 2001 tax rebate to find out if their check has been lost in the mail.
The Internal Revenue Service reports that more than 3,000 Iowa taxpayers stand to receive more than $1 million from the federal agency. The IRS says its list of undelivered checks for Iowa taxpayers includes more than 2,500 advance payment checks totaling more than $783,000.
"Iowans who expected to receive a rebate on their 2001 federal income taxes as a result of the landmark tax relief legislation I shepherded through Congress earlier this year should contact the IRS immediately," Grassley said.
After December 5, the IRS says taxpayers will no longer be able to receive a check but can claim the money after January 1 as a credit on their 2001 tax returns.
In addition, the agency says it is sitting on more than $278,000 in tax refunds that have not made it into the hands of almost 500 Iowa taxpayers. Ranging from $1 to more than $11,000, these refund checks average $556 per check. Taxpayers who believe they may be missing a refund or an advance payment check ought to examine their tax records or talk with their tax preparer. Iowans who may be in line to collect money from the IRS can contact the agency directly at (800) 829-1040.
Grassley is the lead Republican member of the Senate Finance Committee, which is charged with overseeing the IRS and considering all tax legislation.