IRS Scales Back Customer Service Before Tax Season

Dealing with the IRS can be frustrating and it's likely to get a lot worse.

The IRS is blamming congressional budget cuts for cutting back on customer services.

Some say the timing couldn't be worse. Obamacare has complicated filing taxes and the IRS simply won't provide enough people to answer questions.

"Taxpayers who need help are not getting it, and tax compliance is likely to suffer over the longer term if these problems are not quickly and decisively addressed," national taxpayer advocate Nina E. Olson said.

Olsen predicted call response rates may be as low as 43 percent, with a 30-minute wait time on average.

Analysts say that may lead to costly mistakes on tax returns and some people could become so confused they won't file taxes at all.