Congressman DeSaulnier and Senators Padilla and Schiff Question Administration Over Closure of Local Taxpayer Assistance Centers

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10) and Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) sent a letter to the Acting Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service expressing concern about the Post-of-Duty (POD) closure of the Walnut Creek Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) and strong opposition to further closures of TACs in the Bay Area. TACs provide critical free, in-person assistance from trained professionals and are particularly helpful to taxpayers without access to the internet and the elderly. 

In the letter, the members wrote, “As you know, the Walnut Creek TAC was recently selected as one of nine centers to be closed this year pursuant to the President’s Executive Order 14222, Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Cost Efficiency Initiative. While we appreciate your agency’s assurances that this particular closure will not affect in-person services nor employment, we remain concerned about the lack of clarity in your decision-making as well as any further actions that could limit TAC access for Bay Area residents.”

They continued, “In order to ensure that Bay Area taxpayers are well served by the IRS, we ask that you provide answers to the following questions by November 10, 2025.

1. Why was the Walnut Creek TAC selected for closure?
   1. What methodology was used to select this TAC for closure?
   2. Was a cost/benefit analysis performed on the decision to permanently close this TAC before the closure was announced?
   3. Has the IRS studied the impact on taxpayers of having to travel to the next closest TAC?
2. Our understanding is that the Walnut Creek TAC has been closed since at least June 2025.
   1. Why was it closed originally?
   2. How many appointments per month were booked at this TAC during peak usage before the June closure?
3. Does the IRS have plans to close other TACs in the San Francisco Bay Area, including the Oakland and San Franciso TACs?
   1. If so, how will the agency adequately serve the needs of taxpayers in the East Bay?”

The full text of the letter can be found here.