Chaos erupted at a Houston IRS office over the weekend, abruptly shutting its doors just two days before the Tax Day deadline. A fierce fight broke out between individuals waiting in line for tax assistance, prompting the office to close early for safety reasons.
An Overwhelming Crowd and Missed Support
Hundreds of taxpayers had lined up hours before the IRS’ Tax Assistance event on Saturday, hoping to receive guidance ahead of the approaching filing deadline. However, the atmosphere turned chaotic when the office opened its gates. According to eyewitnesses, a large crowd surged inside, desperately seeking help.
“All of a sudden everybody went in when they opened the door, and bum rushed and started skipping,” said Tonya Johnson, a taxpayer who witnessed the incident.
The situation was further exacerbated by the office’s decision to operate exclusively on a walk-in basis, without providing appointments. The resulting congestion and chaos left many taxpayers stranded and frustrated.
Taxpayers Left High and Dry
The IRS office’s abrupt closure meant that many taxpayers were unable to receive the assistance they had hoped for, leaving them in a precarious position. Those affected expressed their anger and disappointment.
“I ain’t doing no playing. This is the second month I came out here, and I’m not going to play with the IRS,” exclaimed one frustrated taxpayer.
IRS Response and Assistance Measures
In a statement, the IRS acknowledged the “overwhelming taxpayer demand for assistance” as a contributing factor to the disruptions. The agency pledged to provide further support to those who missed out on in-person help.
The IRS plans to collect the contact information of affected taxpayers and offer assistance throughout the week. Offices will be fully staffed, and phone lines will be open for additional support.
The deadline for filing taxes or applying for an extension remains Monday, April 15th. Taxpayers are urged to visit the LA News Center for updates and guidance.
