Prioritizing constituent services, Strong secures long-awaited federal tax refund for North Alabama constituent
WASHINGTON—Representative Dale W. Strong (AL-05) recently helped a constituent receive a nearly two-year-old federal tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Madison resident Raymond Daniels, Jr., 86, filed for an extension on his 2020 tax return due to the illness of his now-deceased wife, Judith. Numerous ambulance calls to the Daniels residence were made in the months prior to her passing, one of which was accompanied by Congressman Strong in his capacity as a licensed emergency medical technician (EMT).
Daniels’ 2020 tax return was filed on October 22, 2021, which indicated that he had overpaid his federal taxes by $12,464.00. On May 26, 2023, given that the IRS had yet to issue a refund, Daniels contacted Congressman Strong’s office seeking assistance. In the 582 days that passed since his tax return submission, Daniels made multiple attempts to seek resolution with the IRS to no avail.
“Most of my phone calls ended with my inability to reach a human being at the IRS,” said Daniels. “They just weren’t there for me.”
After engaging with the IRS to issue Daniels his refund, Congressman Strong was successful in securing the constituent his full federal tax overpayment, with interest.
Daniels said of his experience with Congressman Strong’s office, “I was very pleased and also was just really happy that [they] got back with me. That was good, that was nice. [They] didn’t forget me.”
“Mr. Daniels’ case is a prime example of federal bureaucracy failing the people it was created to serve,” said Congressman Strong. “The fact that a hard-working citizen can pay federal taxes his entire life and be disregarded by the IRS in his time of need is unacceptable. I will always do everything in my power to ensure my constituents receive the best possible service when dealing with federal agencies.”
Since joining the 118th Congress in January, Congressman Strong has successfully closed 507 cases. By advocating for his constituents in the Tennessee Valley, the Congressman has successfully resolved more than $2.5 million worth of claims to date.
To seek assistance in navigating a federal agency or resolving a casework issue, Congressman Strong’s office may be contacted via phone at 256-551-0190 or by visiting www.strong.house.gov.