Peoria Standard

Today, Congressman Darin LaHood introduced the Tax Administration Simplification Act, aiming to ease tax filing and payment processes for American families and small businesses. LaHood, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, was joined by Representatives Suzan DelBene, Randy Feenstra, Brad Schneider, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Jimmy Panetta in introducing this legislation.

"Part of our work in strengthening the tax code is to find ways to improve tax administration and filing systems being used by millions of Americans," said Rep. LaHood. "I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Tax Administration Simplification Act, which incorporates commonsense reforms to better streamline the tax filing process for American families, workers, and small businesses. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to make government more effective, efficient, and accountable."

The bill includes three recommendations from the National Taxpayer Advocate’s annual "Purple Book" and builds on previous efforts to streamline tax processes. Key changes proposed include applying the “mailbox rule” to electronic submissions to the IRS. This change ensures that documents and payments submitted electronically are considered made on the date submitted.

Another modification extends the time for making S Corporation elections. The current law often results in missed deadlines for small business owners electing S Corporation status due to early election deadlines. The new act allows taxpayers to elect “S” status on their first timely-filed income tax return.

Additionally, it revises estimated income tax payment deadlines. Currently spaced at uneven intervals throughout the year, these deadlines would be adjusted under the new act to fall on a quarterly basis (April 15, July 15, October 15, January 15), simplifying calculations for taxpayers.