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Taxpayer First Act of 2019

Floor Speech

Date: April 9, 2019
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Taxes

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Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1957, the Taxpayer First Act. I thank Chairman Lewis and Ranking Member Kelly for their hard work on the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight and for introducing this important piece of legislation to modernize and improve the Internal Revenue Service.

Since last Congress, our committee has focused on finding legislative solutions to make needed changes at the IRS. Dealing with the IRS can be frustrating, and ensuring an efficient and transparent IRS is key to restoring the relationship between taxpayers and the agency, as well as effective implementation of our Tax Code.

I am pleased that a bill I introduced with a Democratic colleague, Congressman Tom Suozzi, H.R. 1825, the Improving Assistance for Taxpayers Act, is included in this bill. Currently, the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate located within the IRS represents taxpayer interests and helps address both individual and systemic issues at the agency. When it comes to addressing systemic issues, the taxpayer advocate can issue what is called a taxpayer advocate directive. Unfortunately, these orders are not always responded to in a detailed or timely manner.

Our bill aims to improve the process. Specifically, the IRS would be required to respond to taxpayer advocate directives within 90 days. We also establish an appeals process, when the advocate deems necessary. If detailed and timely responses are not provided, then the taxpayer advocate must report such instances to Congress.

This bill empowers taxpayers across the country by improving transparency and ensuring substantive and timely answers for taxpayers dealing with an issue at the IRS while improving congressional oversight.

Our constituents sent us to Washington to make government more effective, efficient, and accountable. These reforms included in my bill and the Taxpayer First Act will do exactly that. This package passed the House last Congress, and I hope to receive the same support from my colleagues today.

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