During his regular media conference call, U.S. Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY) said on Monday that he is taking a lead role in the fight to protect taxpayers and shield the nation’s economy from more tax hikes and IRS abuses under the Obama administration.
“With April 15 right around the corner, the taxpayers in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes do not need a reminder it is tax season,” Reed said. “Under the current tax code, no one is being treated fairly. That is why I am committed to fostering a tax code that is simple, fair and competitive. The current system is unfair, and New Yorkers are fed up.”
The Republican-led House of Representatives is working to pass a number of bills this week that will make numerous changes to the tax code and also the processes employed by the Internal Revenue Service.
“In light of the IRS’ targeting of individuals based on their political beliefs, faith in the IRS’ ability to fairly administer the tax code has been eroded,” Reed said. “I care about your First Amendment beliefs and feel the IRS needs to treat all Americans in a direct, respectful and fair way.”
The following tax bills will move through the House on Wednesday, including:
—The Fair Treatment for All Donations Act (HR 1104), sponsored by Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL), aims to protect donations from taxation. Federal law requires that gifts in excess of $14,000 be
subject to the gift tax, but donations to nonprofit organizations
always have been considered tax-free. In recent years, however, the IRS has
threatened to apply the gift tax to these contributions, and this bill aims to prevent that.
–The Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act of 2015 (HR 1058), sponsored by Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL), would create a Bill of Rights for taxpayers, including rights to quality service, to pay no more than the correct amount of tax, to privacy, to be able to challenge the IRS’ position and to be heard.
–The Taxpayer Knowledge of IRS Investigations Act (HR 1026), sponsored by Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), would ensure a taxpayer is informed when an IRS investigation is underway regarding
unauthorized disclosure of the taxpayer’s tax return information, whether a
violation was found, and/or whether action was taken against the violator.
–The Prevent Targeting at the IRS Act (HR 709), sponsored by U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci, would reinforce that any agent’s use of IRS authority to target individuals or groups based on political affiliation is grounds for termination.
Other measures include amendments that would prohibit IRS agents or other employees from using personal email accounts to conduct official business, to streamline the application process and clarify exemptions from taxation under the current 501(c) code, and to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a right to an administrative appeal relating to adverse determinations of tax-exempt status of certain organizations.
“As always, we stand ready to assist anyone who needs help navigating Washington’s confusing web of tax regulations,” Reed said. “I want the people of the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes to know that we are standing with them, and we are here for them.”