Kingsport, TN - To promote transparency and accountability within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Tennessee's U.S. Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-Kingsport) has introduced the Simplify, Don’t Amplify, the IRS Act. The proposed legislation seeks to safeguard taxpayers and ensure fair treatment, regardless of political affiliation or beliefs.
"Fighting for the American taxpayer is one of my top priorities in Congress," said Harshbarger. "I was proud to support the passage of the very first bill introduced in the 118th Congress, which repealed the Biden administration’s move to supersize the IRS."
The bill has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee and the Committees on Financial Services and Oversight and Accountability. U.S. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Indiana) has introduced a companion bill in the U.S. Senate.
This legislative push comes after the Democrat-led Inflation Reduction Act aimed to hire 87,000 new IRS workers - and had little to do with addressing inflation. In January, the Republican-controlled House approved a bill to rescind the act after taking control of the House in the November elections.
IRS officials have claimed that the new funding would help improve customer service and support. However, Republicans have expressed concerns about increased auditors, who they argue will harass taxpayers and indiscriminately target all taxpayers. Harshbarger’s bill aims to add "taxpayer safeguards and protections," according to a press release.
Key provisions of the Simplify, Don’t Amplify, the IRS Act
- Codifying a Trump administration rule that protects groups regardless of political affiliation or beliefs and prohibits the IRS from publicizing donor information.
- Increasing the penalty for releasing private taxpayer information and making it easier to terminate employees who do so.
- Prohibiting the IRS from launching targeted audits.
- Prohibiting IRS employees from engaging in taxpayer-funded union time during tax-filing season.
"At a time when Biden’s federal agencies are being weaponized, it’s critical that Congress leads on this issue and protects the American taxpayer from one of the most dreaded three-letter agencies," Harshbarger said.
While critics argue that the Simplify, Don’t Amplify, the IRS Act may hinder the IRS's ability to enforce tax laws and combat fraud effectively, proponents of the bill believe it will protect taxpayers from unwarranted scrutiny and ensure the IRS remains focused on its mission. Conservative media hosts contend the IRS and other federal agencies have been weaponized against political opponents.
As the Simplify, Don’t Amplify, the IRS Act moves through the legislative process; it remains to be seen how much support it will garner in both chambers of Congress. Regardless of the bill's outcome, Rep. Harshbarger's initiative highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the IRS's role and taxpayers' rights in the United States.
For more information on the Simplify, Don’t Amplify, the IRS Act, and Tennessee's U.S. Representative Diana Harshbarger, visit https://harshbarger.house.gov.