WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Susan Collins today applauded the IRS for suspending plans to close several Taxpayer Assistance Centers, including those in Augusta and South Portland. Senator Collins wrote to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Mark Everson earlier in the year expressing concern that closing two of the remaining five IRS centers in Maine would hinder the IRS' ability to offer quality customer service, since it would leave the entire state of Maine with only three Taxpayer Assistance Centers. The decision by the IRS to keep all centers open is in anticipation of approval of the Fiscal Year 2006 IRS budget that includes provisions that, if signed into law, would stop the IRS from closing centers until further review.
"I am pleased that the IRS decided not to close any Taxpayer Assistance Centers, especially those in Augusta and South Portland. While Congress is working toward a bill that would stop these closures until further justification is provided, the IRS's decision is a move in the right direction, and exhibits a willingness to listen to the concerns of Congress," Senator Collins said. "By maintaining operations at all five centers in Maine, our taxpayers will have continued access to important tax services and assistance."
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