Don't Mess With Taxes

Thank you, thank you very much.

OK, Internal Revenue Service Commissioner John Koskinen didn't exactly do his best Elvis Presley impersonation. But the sentiment was there in the email that the IRS chief sent Friday, April 11, afternoon to the overall tax community.

Many tax professionals say it's the first time they can recall such a thank you being sent by IRS brass to all those involved in getting returns completed and submitted.

Here's Koskinen message:

"With the end of the filing season just a few days away, I want to take a moment to thank all the tax professionals and other partners who have helped to make this filing season run smoothly. It's a long list, ranging from attorneys, Certified Public Accountants and Enrolled Agents to the software industry and payroll community.

Tax professionals and other partners are a vital link between the IRS and taxpayers, particularly given that most people seek assistance in doing their taxes. Your work is critical to running the tax system and helping the nation. As the final days and hours approach before April 15, I just wanted to let you know that we appreciate your hard work and continued dedication.

Of course, the work does not stop on April 15. The tax professional community works throughout the year helping individual and business clients with extensions, amended returns and many other issues. We look forward to continuing to work with tax professionals and all of our partners in the tax community as we start to wrap up the work of this filing season and turn our attention to preparing for next year."

I know folks who deal with tax issues tend to be cynical. It comes with the territory.

But this was a very nice gesture by the guy who has what is widely considered the worst job in Washington, D.C.

Thank you, Commissioner Koskinen.

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