Blog: The Webster Wire: "Holding the IRS Accountable"

Statement

Early last week, I met with a constituent who was apparently a victim of the IRS practice of targeting innocent taxpayers based on their political views. I reviewed correspondence in which the IRS demanded answers to questions involving past personal and political activity. I have been in contact with the appropriate House Committees investigating this matter. As I stated, I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure those responsible are held accountable so that this outrageous practice never takes place again.

Legislative Update:

Top Internal Revenue Service (IRS) officials admitted to discriminating against applicants for tax-exempt status based on their political beliefs. Innocent taxpayers on the IRS target list were singled out for extra scrutiny, audits which were beyond reasonable limits.

The IRS is entrusted with applying the tax laws of the United States without partisan bias. The alarming admission that the agency wrongly targeted and intimidated taxpayers based on what they believed is a shameful breach of public confidence by an agency entrusted with Americans' sensitive tax records. The resignation of IRS Commissioner Steven Miller last week in no way satisfies the need for justice on behalf of those Americans targeted by their own government. Taxpayers sign their tax statement declaring that the information provided is 'true, correct and complete' under penalty of law, and they have the right to demand the IRS act with the same integrity or face the consequences.

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