U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH) successfully helped persuade the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide those lacking high-speed internet a way to access its system for COVID-19 economic impact payments (EIPs).
“This pandemic has amplified disadvantages faced by rural Ohioans without broadband internet access who are often disconnected from vital services,” Rep. Balderson said on May 19. “I’m thrilled the IRS heeded my suggestions. This is a major win for Ohio’s rural communities.”
After hearing from constituents who were unable to access their EIPs unless they were online, Rep. Balderson sent an April 30 letter to IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin requesting options that would offer Americans without broadband internet a way to access the IRS system to track their stimulus payments or update their personal information to ensure their receipt of EIPs.
Consequently, the IRS on May 18 announced that it is starting to add 3,500 telephone representatives to answer some of the most common questions about EIPs.
“IRS telephone assistance and other services will remain limited, and answers for most of the common questions related to Economic Impact Payments are available on IRS.gov,” according to the agency. “The IRS anticipates bringing back additional assistors as state and local advisories permit.”