The Trump administration is reportedly considering the elimination of multilingual tax services provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If implemented, this change could significantly complicate the process for non-English speaking individuals to file their taxes in the U.S.
Sources familiar with the issue, as reported by The Washington Post, suggest that the IRS is contemplating this decision as part of broader efforts to adhere to President Trump’s executive order, which aims to establish English as the U.S.’s official language.
This directive has sparked debates, with some questioning the legal implications of such a move and its potential impact on taxpayers. According to MSN, the IRS has yet to reveal the full scope of its plans.
Executive Order Mandating English as Official Language
On July 14, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a memo outlining the implementation of Trump’s order, pushing federal agencies to phase out multilingual services. The memo argued that establishing English as the official language would streamline communication and unify the nation.
Establishing English as the official language will not only streamline communication but also reinforce shared national values, and create a more cohesive and efficient society – Trump’s order states. Bondi’s memo emphasized the importance of a shared language:
A shared language binds Americans together, transcending different backgrounds to create a common foundation for public discourse, government operations, and civic life, while leaving ample room for the vibrant linguistic diversity that thrives in private and community spheres.
Despite the order’s push, the U.S. does not have any formal law designating English as the official language, making the future of these proposals uncertain.
Impact on IRS Services for Non-English Speakers
The IRS currently provides tax assistance in multiple languages, including Spanish, with services such as translated forms for over 100 financial documents and phone interpreters. These services help millions of non-English speakers meet their tax obligations. However, with the potential implementation of Trump’s executive order, the agency is re-evaluating these services, including its multilingual website and social media programs.
IRS officials are now considering whether to continue translating more than 100 financial forms and offering free phone and in-person interpreter services.
Concerns Over Immigrant Communities
This proposal is raising concerns among immigrant communities, particularly as some fear that the IRS may cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to identify undocumented individuals. According to reports, this fear has caused a significant decline in tax compliance among immigrant groups in parts of the country.
The IRS has previously extended its contract for phone interpreter services, which is set to expire by the end of the year. However, the agency is expected to decide soon whether it will continue these essential services.
Pending Contract Decisions for IRS Translation Services
The IRS has recently renewed its contract for phone interpreter services, which was deemed necessary by senior IRS and Treasury Department officials. The current contract will expire by the end of the year. As a result, the IRS must now decide whether to maintain its commitment to helping non-English speaking taxpayers understand their tax obligations, a policy which it has upheld for years. In response to the memo issued by Pam Bondi, the Treasury Department confirmed that the IRS will need to assess its ability to continue providing these multilingual services.
