CHICAGO — A growing number of taxpayers say they’re receiving IRS bills for taxes they’ve already paid, sparking confusion, financial anxiety, and calls for transparency from elected leaders and tax professionals.
CBS News Chicago first reported the issue last week, and now more residents are stepping forward — including Jasmine Walton, who paid her family’s full $7,000 tax bill by the April 15 deadline. Days later, she received an official IRS notice demanding payment — with penalties and interest already applied.
“To tell us we owe additional thousands on top of what we’ve paid already? It almost sent us into a tizzy,” Walton said. “We count every penny.”
IRS Quiet, But Internal Sources Confirm Backlog
The IRS has not publicly acknowledged the extent of the problem, but CBS confirmed through a phone conversation with an IRS agent that the agency is experiencing electronic payment processing delays for payments submitted before the April 15 deadline. That agent indicated they hope to catch up by June 29, and that penalties and interest will be reversed for affected accounts.
Still, many are asking why this information hasn’t been made public-facing via IRS.gov.
“Update your website,” Walton urged. “Just a banner saying, ‘We’re behind. You may receive communication in error.’ It takes minutes.”
Staff Shortages and Structural Cuts Cited
A report released by the Inspector General for Tax Administration this spring revealed the IRS is operating with 11% fewer staff — many of whom are probationary and not guaranteed to stay on the job. Despite repeated follow-up requests, the agency has not provided any direct answers about how staffing issues may be contributing to the delays.
Elected Officials Speak Out
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) responded to CBS inquiries, noting her office has seen a surge in IRS-related constituent complaints.
“If Illinoisans are having issues with a federal agency like the IRS, I urge them to contact my office so we can help them get the money they’re owed or reverse unfair penalties.”
Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) echoed frustration and blamed cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under billionaire Elon Musk, alleging political sabotage of federal agencies.
“DOGE and Donald Trump are more focused on starving our government of resources so they can cut taxes for billionaires… I’ll keep fighting to restore IRS funding to give Americans the certainty they need.”
What Taxpayers Should Do Now
If you received a bill for taxes already paid:
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Check your bank account for confirmation of payment withdrawal
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Keep records of the transaction
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Contact your tax preparer
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Call the IRS (expect long hold times)
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Reach out to your local Congressional office if delays continue
As of now, the IRS has not committed to issuing a formal update, timeline, or mass correction notice.
Have You Been Billed for Taxes You Already Paid?
Has the IRS mistakenly fined you too? We’re tracking this story locally. Tell us your experience in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
