San Antonio Corridor News

Legislation has been introduced by Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) to protect taxpayers from unwanted IRS participation in certain matters. The bill, known as the Strengthen Taxpayer Rights Act of 2023, aims to ensure a fair and independent appeals process for taxpayers.

The bill proposes a simple change - before the IRS can involve their lawyers and compliance experts in a meeting with a taxpayer to settle a tax issue, the taxpayer must consent to their participation. Previously, these meetings involved only the taxpayer and an IRS officer from the appeals department, with the IRS lawyers and compliance experts providing opinions in writing or before the meeting, but not attending the meeting itself.

However, in 2016, the appeals department amended their rules, allowing the IRS lawyers and compliance experts to be present at the meeting even if the taxpayer did not want them there. The Strengthen Taxpayer Rights Act seeks to rectify this by requiring the taxpayer's permission before the IRS lawyers and compliance experts can join the meeting. This ensures that the appeals process remains fair and unbiased towards taxpayers.

In a statement, Congresswoman De La Cruz highlighted the importance of the bill in protecting taxpayers' rights and leveling the playing field. She said, "I introduced the Strengthen Taxpayer Rights Act to ensure that taxpayers have a fair and independent appeals process, where their consent is respected before IRS lawyers and compliance experts can participate. I'm committed to safeguarding taxpayers' rights and urge passage of this bill."

The National Taxpayers Union (NTU) and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) have voiced their support for the Strengthen Taxpayer Rights Act. This legislation is seen as a crucial step towards protecting taxpayers and ensuring fairness in the appeals process.

By introducing this bill, Congresswoman De La Cruz is aiming to provide taxpayers with greater control and transparency in their interactions with the IRS. The Strengthen Taxpayer Rights Act has the potential to bring about meaningful changes that will benefit taxpayers across the country.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=453