READING, PA – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) announced that the Internal Revenue Service shared a re-opening plan for its Reading, PA Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) that has been closed since early July. The TAC is currently open for taxpayer services three days a week and, starting December 30, the IRS expects it will resume full five-day service. 

In July, Houlahan sent a letter to IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel sharing her concern about the extended closure of the Taxpayer Assistance Center in Reading. This center, located just one floor below Houlahan’s own district office, provides vital services and accessibility to her constituents in Pennsylvania’s Sixth Congressional District. 

In her letter, Houlahan emphasized the importance of the Reading TAC to the community and the need for in-person services for people who cannot access tax law assistance over the phone. “As you know, in-person services are critical for disadvantaged, older, or disabled individuals who may be unable to access these services online or over the phone. In-person assistance is especially necessary in the City of Reading, where the poverty rate is 29.4% and nearly 20% of residents live with a disability. I urge you to re-open the Reading TAC as soon as possible,” wrote Houlahan.  

In September, Houlahan received a response from Commissioner Werfel, who stated that the closure occurred due to the attrition of two employees. Werfel also shared that the IRS was enlisting the help of employee volunteers to resume three-day service until the office is fully staffed and the agency’s commitment to opening the office as soon as feasibly possible. “I appreciate Commissioner Werfel’s response and transparency regarding the center's re-opening. I am grateful that my letter brought eyes, attention, and prioritization to the importance of the in-person Taxpayer Assistance Center in Reading,” said Houlahan. 

Additionally, members of Houlahan’s team have met with IRS staff on multiple occasions to discuss the center's re-opening. The recent updates from the IRS are as follows:  

• A temporary employee is present at the Reading TAC to meet with taxpayers three days a week. Hours of operation are Tuesday: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

• The TAC has new permanent hires currently in progress. While they complete their training, the temporary employee at the Reading TAC will be present through the end of December 2024. 

• The IRS currently projects that the Reading TAC will resume full five days a week service beginning December 30, 2024. 

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress. 

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