IRS stopped surprise visits to taxpayers’ homes due to pressure from GOP’s ‘weaponization’ panel, says report.
The IRS has put an end to its controversial practice of surprise visits to taxpayers’ homes, thanks to pressure from Congress. The GOP-led “weaponization” subcommittee released a report stating that their oversight led to the swift termination of the IRS’s abusive field visits. The report assures taxpayers that they can now feel secure knowing that the IRS will not show up unannounced. It emphasizes that this should have been the IRS’s practice all along.
The IRS did not immediately respond to a query from The Epoch Times regarding the impact of the “weaponization” subcommittee’s pressure on the agency’s decision to end the surprise visits.
In July, the IRS announced the discontinuation of most unannounced visits to taxpayers’ homes, citing security concerns for both officers and taxpayers. This policy change was hailed as a “common-sense” decision.
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This change in policy marks a departure from decades of IRS revenue officers making surprise visits to taxpayers’ homes in an effort to resolve tax issues. The IRS stated that the new policy aims to reduce the risk of escalating situations during these anxiety-inducing visits.
The IRS highlighted the high-risk nature of unannounced visits, with agents often facing hazards and uncertainty. The previous policy also caused public confusion and jeopardized taxpayer safety.
The IRS Commissioner, Danny Werfel, acknowledged the negative impact of surprise visits on taxpayers and IRS employees. He stated, “This is the right thing to do and the right time to end it.”
Under the new policy, IRS agents will schedule in-person meetings by sending letters to taxpayers. However, there will be limited situations where unannounced visits may still occur, such as serving summonses and subpoenas or conducting sensitive enforcement activities.
The IRS clarified that these exceptional cases represent a small fraction compared to the tens of thousands of surprise visits made annually under the previous policy.
Witness Intimidation?
Earlier this year, an unannounced visit by an IRS agent to investigative journalist Matt Taibbi’s home drew criticism from Rep. Jim Jordan. Jordan, who heads the House Judiciary Committee and the “weaponization” subcommittee, raised concerns about potential witness intimidation.
In a letter to IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Jordan demanded documents and communications related to the IRS visit. The visit coincided with Taibbi’s testimony before the subcommittee, where he discussed government pressure on tech companies to censor content.
Jordan highlighted the timing of the visit and questioned the IRS’s rejection of Taibbi’s tax filings, which had previously been accepted without any issues. He called for a thorough examination of whether the visit aimed to influence or intimidate a witness before Congress.
Taibbi refrained from commenting on the visit until the IRS responded to Jordan’s demands. Shortly after, the IRS decided to end its surprise door-knock policy.
What were the primary reasons cited by the IRS for ending surprise visits
Concern and controversy, with many taxpayers feeling violated by the unexpected intrusion into their homes. The IRS’s decision to end surprise visits is seen as a positive step towards rebuilding trust and ensuring the safety and security of both taxpayers and officers.
The report released by the GOP-led “weaponization” subcommittee played a key role in pressuring the IRS to terminate its abusive field visits. The report highlighted the oversight measures taken by Congress and emphasized the need for the IRS to adopt more respectful and transparent practices. It acknowledged that surprise visits should never have been a standard practice for the agency.
Although the IRS did not immediately respond to inquiries about the impact of the pressure from the subcommittee, the agency’s decision to discontinue surprise visits indicates that they have taken the concerns raised by Congress seriously. This move aligns with the IRS’s commitment to improving its public image and addressing the criticisms leveled against its tactics.
The discontinuation of most unannounced visits was officially announced by the IRS in July. The agency cited security concerns for both officers and taxpayers as the primary reason behind this policy change. By eliminating surprise visits, the IRS aims to reduce the potential for dangerous situations and mitigate the anxiety that taxpayers may experience during these encounters.
This change in policy marks a significant departure from decades of IRS revenue officers making surprise visits to taxpayers’ homes. It reflects a shift towards a more compassionate and understanding approach to resolving tax issues. The IRS recognizes that these visits can be highly stressful for taxpayers and acknowledges the potential risks and uncertainties that agents may face while conducting them.
The previous policy of surprise visits not only posed safety risks but also caused public concern and controversy. Taxpayers felt their privacy was being invaded, and many expressed a sense of violation. The termination of surprise visits is expected to help rebuild trust between the IRS and the public, fostering a more cooperative relationship.
In conclusion, the IRS’s decision to end surprise visits to taxpayers’ homes is a positive development. The pressure exerted by the GOP-led “weaponization” subcommittee and Congress played a crucial role in bringing about this change. The new policy reflects a more compassionate and understanding approach, prioritizing the safety and security of both officers and taxpayers. It is a step towards rebuilding trust and improving the public image of the IRS.
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