Jasper Packard: “few things are scarier than getting into a dispute with the IRS. They truly believe that they are above the law and all…”

“few things are scarier than getting into a dispute with the IRS. They truly believe that they are above the law and all too often taxpayers have no recourse. During April, working Americans struggle to fill out complicated U.S. tax forms, enduring great anxiety and paying out large sums of money to accountants, just to guarantee that they are giving Uncle Sam the appropriate and expected amount. And when there is a dispute or audit, taxpayers--right or wrong--always end up paying the price. Ironically the IRS' own annual reports admit a high rate of errors and the IRS telephone information service gives out wrong answers as much as one-third of the time. My Republican colleagues and I are committed to changing that. The taxpayer bill of rights that we consider today makes it harder for the IRS to demand America's hard-working families pay for the IRS' own mistakes. The more than 30 protections in this bill will waive interest charges when the IRS is at fault for tax underpayment. It extends time for taxpayers to pay delinquent taxes without being subject to interest and penalties. It allows taxpayers to sue the IRS for reckless collection actions and there are dozens of other taxpayer protections included in this measure. Mr. Speaker, our tax system has veered out of control. My Republican colleagues and I know America needs tax reform and the debate will begin in earnest this week.”