Tax-related identity theft is common, but the Internal Revenue Service is often too slow to move when victims are awaiting refunds.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has made significant improvements in taxpayer services, largely due to funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, yet continues to struggle with a backlog of claims related to a coronavirus pandemic-era tax credit program and delays in resolving certain identity theft cases,

The annual report by the agency’s national taxpayer advocate also flagged ongoing problems with the troubled Employee Retention Credit.

National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins released her annual report to Congress, highlighting improvements in taxpayer service, but pointing to persistent delays.

The IRS boosted taxpayer services through Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act but still faces processing claims from a coronavirus pandemic-era tax credit program and is slow to resolve certain identity theft cases,