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Highlands Today

IRS Agents Overwhelmed In Sebring Session

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By BILL RETTEW JR.

Highlands Today

Published: July 23, 2008

SEBRING - Dozens of disappointed residents were turned away without receiving the help they sought at Tuesday's Sebring visit by the Internal Revenue Service.

The lines started forming outside the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce at 7 a.m. for a visit by two IRS representatives. The meeting was scheduled to start at 9 a.m. At 8:30 a.m., two dozen taxpayers stood waiting outside.

More than 150 people - mostly seniors - shuffled through the chamber office. Several used walkers or canes.

Some stood when all seats were filled. Many waited patiently for more than two hours for a chance to meet with a pair of IRS representatives. They hoped to discuss federal stimulus checks.

For the visit, the IRS targeted more than 3,000 county residents who receive Social Security or railroad retirement benefits, and who were not required to file a federal tax return.

To receive a stimulus check of $300 or $600, a federal income tax form must be filed, regardless of income.

John L. Scott, of Sebring, waited about an hour, but was turned away without receiving any information. An IRS agent told him that reps would only speak with those who had yet to file a tax return.

"They should have had more people helping," said Scott. "I'm not angry. They were understaffed and overwhelmed."

Mike Dobzinski, IRS spokesperson for Florida, apologized on Tuesday for an unanticipated response seeking to talk with a rep.

He confirmed that the IRS announced prior to the meeting that agents would also try to help everyone, including anyone who had already filed a tax return.

"I'm sorry they're disappointed," said Dobzinksi. "Apparently there was an overwhelming response. Hopefully we took care of as many people as we could. If somebody went away upset, we're sorry about it."

IRS representatives recently met with residents in the Florida Keys. Dobzinski attended the Key West session where he said 35 residents sought help, while no one in Marathon showed for the Marathon meeting.

Dobzinski said it was too early to determine whether IRS reps will visit the county again prior to the Oct. 15 tax return filing deadline.

There is no IRS office in the county and the closest one of 18 offices in Florida is located in Lakeland. The offices only accept walk-in clients.

Dobzinski suggested using the phone or computer keyboard if a tax return was already filed.

For those who already sent a tax return, but have yet to receive a stimulus check, the spokesman suggested calling the IRS at 1-866-234-2942 or going to www.irs.gov

Bill Rettew Jr. may be contacted at 386-5857 or wrettew@highlandstoday.com

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