Congress Takes Action to Stop Future IRS Tax-Exempt Scandals

Imagine that you have just started a small advocacy company for the purpose of helping save the whales. Unfortunately the IRS agent in charge of your case, who has the power to give you a tax exempt status, doesn’t agree with your cause. The agent has no legal right to turn you down, but does so anyway.

To make matters worse the agent somehow allows the names of your members, subscribers, or donors to get into the hands of an opposition group. This group then harasses your associates for being in league with you.

This is what happened in the run up to the 2012 presidential campaign, and now Congress may be about to do something about it.

The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 5418, prohibiting IRS officers and employees from using their personal email accounts to conduct official business. While it should seem obvious that a government agent with such power should keep a public paper trail regarding their deliberations, correspondence, and actions, this does not seem to be the case. 

The House also passed H.R. 5419, designed to provide tax-exempt groups with the right to an administrative appeal if they are turned down for tax-exempt status. It is remarkable that this appeal process was not already in place. The power to grant or turn down an application for tax exempt can be a dangerous tool in the hands of administrators who have inappropriate intentions.

 At the same time, the house passed H.R. 5420.  Some taxpayers have had their personal taxpayer information leaked to opposition groups for the purpose of chilling their first amendment rights. This bill would permit the release of certain information to these victims regarding the status of investigations into and such leaks of their personal taxpayer information.

All of these bills are in response to the ongoing investigation into inappropriate and illegal actions taken by various parties in the IRS determining tax-exempt status prior to the 2012 presidential campaign.

The bills now go on to the Senate.

Even the IRS Wants You to Love Them – Agency Under Fire

In the face of the IRS targeting scandal, a new “Bill of Rights” is offered

The IRS is reeling from a relentless barrage of negative headlines surrounding Lois Lerner and others, known and unknown, within the agency, who have admitted to targeting conservative organizations in the run-up to the 2012 election. But even the IRS appears to need your love. In yet one more coincidence, they have release a “new” taxpayer bill of rights.

"The Taxpayer Bill of Rights contains fundamental information to help taxpayers," said IRS Commissioner John A. Koskinen. "These are core concepts about which taxpayers should be aware. Respecting taxpayer rights continues to be a top priority for IRS employees, and the new Taxpayer Bill of Rights summarizes these important protections in a clearer, more understandable format than ever before."

This updated bill of rights will be included in any mailing that the IRS does to taxpayers, but should never be confused with any idea that the agency is not relentless in their desire to collect from you. The summary of the new bill of rights:

1. The Right to Be Informed
2. The Right to Quality Service
3. The Right to Pay No More than the Correct Amount of Ta
4. The Right to Challenge the IRS’s Position and Be Heard
5. The Right to Appeal an IRS Decision in an Independent Forum
6. The Right to Finality
7. The Right to Privacy
8. The Right to Confidentiality
9. The Right to Retain Representation
10. The Right to a Fair and Just Tax System

If you are currently facing any type of “quality service” from the IRS that is taking the form of demand letters, liens, levies, wage garnishments, or other collection activity, you have, under #9 above, the right to retain representation. If you owe more than $20,000 in back taxes or if you have unfiled returns, you should look at this right as a strong recommendation. The IRS has a vast array of resources that they will use against you to help them keep you up at night, and generally make your life miserable.  We can help!

As Enrolled Agents, we can represent you every step of the way. You no longer have to deal with the collection agents. No more phone calls. We will be copied on all correspondence, so you have no need to worry about the letters you receive. We will handle it all. 

And because we have been working with the IRS on behalf of taxpayers just like you for over 25 years, we know exactly how to get the best possible solution for your specific issue. Call 1-888-987-1040 right now and let us start to resolve your tax debt issues. Also see our website at http://taxrepair.com