Members of Maine’s congressional delegation have called upon the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to reopen the recently closed Tax Assistance Centers (TACs) in Bangor and Augusta.
TACs are physical offices offering support to those who lack stable internet access, need help navigating technology, or otherwise require in-person assistance with their taxes.
Should these closures remain permanent, the only remaining TAC in Maine would be located in South Portland. The lawmakers pointed out in their Thursday press release that for someone living in Fort Kent, getting to this TAC would require a ten-hour, 600-mile drive.
Joining the push to reopen the Bangor and Augusta locations are Sen. Susan Collins (R), Sen. Angus King (I), and Rep. Jared Golden (D).
There is precedent for the federal government responding to such calls, as the IRS previously reversed course on the planned closure of the Bangor office at lawmakers’ urging last year.
The trio of lawmakers are also asking the IRS to develop a long-term plan to reopen the TAC in Presque Isle.
Additionally, the legislators sought answers regarding the impact of the federal hiring freeze on Maine TACs, as well as what the agency’s plans are for helping Mainers in the meantime.
Questions were also raised about the possibility of providing extra extensions to those who are unable to seek in-person assistance at the South Portland TAC in time to file their returns.
They went on to suggest that aid is particularly important this year given the changes made to the tax code in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, suggesting that Mainers may need extra assistance in navigating the new provisions.
The lawmakers asked the IRS to respond to their concerns by Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
“TACs provide critical services to rural communities and seniors,” the lawmakers wrote, in part. “We ask that you restaff and re-open the TACs in Bangor and Augusta in a timely manner, and work with the Maine Congressional Delegation on a longer-term strategy to avoid future prolonged disruptions to these services in Maine.”
