Letter to Julia Pierson, Director of the United States Secret Service, and John Koskinen, Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service - Regarding Protection of Physicians in Connecticut

Letter

May 8, 2014

Ms. Julia Pierson
Director
United States Secret Service
245 Murray Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20223

The Honorable John Koskinen
Commissioner
Internal Revenue Service
1111 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20224

Dear Director Pierson and Commissioner Koskinen,

We write today about the recent news that physicians in our state and nearly every other state have become the victims of tax fraud. This is especially troubling considering that many physician practices are not only vital healthcare providers in their communities but also small businesses. We understand that you have initiated an investigation into the matter and hope that you will assign all necessary resources to swiftly bring the unscrupulous perpetrators to justice.

According to the Connecticut State Medical Society, approximately 75 physicians have reported having a fraudulent tax return filed by someone else to the Internal Revenue Service. However, this number may represent only a fraction of those affected. The State Medical Society has been working with physicians to make them aware of the potential problem and the doctors are now in the process of determining if they have been impacted. Considering the size and scope of the affected physicians across the nation, it appears that there has been a significant security breach. We would appreciate scheduling a briefing with appropriate representatives of your agencies to learn more about the source of such a breach.

We have offered assistance to the Connecticut State Medical Society and their members and stand ready to assist you in any way that we can. Again, thank you for your attention to this matter and we look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,

Christopher S. Murphy
United States Senator

Richard Blumenthal
United States Senator

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