IRS to Continue Operating During Government Shutdown
The IRS Will Keep Working and Collecting Taxes Even if Government Shuts Down
In the face of partisan gridlock and a potential government shutdown, the IRS remains committed to its work, according to Doreen Greenwald, president of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU). In a recent press call, Greenwald assured that the IRS would use funds from the Inflation Reduction Act to stay fully operational and continue pursuing individuals who fail to comply with tax laws. While awaiting a final plan from the Treasury Department, Greenwald expressed hope that lawmakers would reach a deal to avoid a shutdown.
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According to Greenwald, the uncertainty surrounding the final plan weighs heavily on IRS employees. However, the government is currently funded by last year’s $1.7 trillion omnibus bill, which will keep operations running until the end of the fiscal year on September 30.
Congress now faces the challenge of approving 11 major spending bills by the end of September to prevent a government shutdown. With little confidence in lawmakers’ ability to meet the deadline, Greenwald emphasized the importance of pressuring elected leaders to fulfill their responsibilities.
Former President Donald Trump has expressed support for a government shutdown if a fair deal cannot be reached to address the nation’s growing public debt, which exceeds $30 trillion.
IRS Launches ‘Sweeping, Historic’ Tax Crackdown
Meanwhile, the IRS plans to utilize a portion of its $60 billion funding boost to enhance enforcement efforts against higher-earning Americans and tax evaders. The agency aims to hire more tax enforcers and leverage cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence for more efficient targeting. In early September, the IRS announced a ”sweeping, historic” tax enforcement initiative following a comprehensive review of its enforcement strategies.
While the IRS promises not to increase audit rates for individuals earning less than $400,000 per year, a recent watchdog report casts doubt on this pledge. The report questions the IRS’s ability to define ”high-income” and suggests outdated tax examination codes may set the threshold at $200,000.
Watchdog Warns
The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), responsible for overseeing the IRS, conducted a review that criticized the agency for lacking a clear definition of “high-income” earners. The watchdog report highlights inconsistencies in the IRS’s use of different definitions depending on the context and outdated examination codes from 1976.
The IRS argues that a rigid definition would hinder its ability to address emerging issues, but the watchdog report raises concerns about the agency’s ability to identify taxpayers earning over $400,000. Despite these challenges, the IRS has hired over 3,700 additional tax enforcers to target higher-earning individuals and focus on complex partnerships and large corporations.
What measures has the IRS taken to ensure its ability to operate fully, even in the event of a government shutdown, and what specific priorities does it have, such as pursuing tax evaders
Ence in the ability to meet this deadline, there is growing concern among federal agencies and their employees, including the IRS.
The IRS plays a crucial role in the functioning of the government. It is responsible for collecting the taxes needed to fund various government programs and services. Any disruption in its operations could have far-reaching consequences for the country.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the budget negotiations, Greenwald emphasized that the IRS is prepared to continue its work. The agency has access to funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, which will enable it to stay fully operational and carry out its duties even if the government shuts down.
One of the key priorities for the IRS will be pursuing individuals who fail to comply with tax laws. Tax evasion is a serious offense that undermines the integrity of the tax system and deprives the government of much-needed revenue. The IRS remains committed to holding these individuals accountable.
Greenwald expressed hope that lawmakers would be able to reach a deal to avoid a government shutdown. Such a shutdown would not only disrupt the IRS’s operations but also have a broader impact on the economy and the American people.
It is important for Congress to come together and fulfill its responsibility of funding the government in a timely manner. The uncertainty caused by budget delays puts unnecessary strain on federal agencies and their employees, who are already grappling with the challenges of the ongoing pandemic and other pressing issues.
The IRS, like other federal agencies, plays a vital role in serving the American people. Its continued functioning and ability to collect taxes are essential for the smooth operation of the government and the provision of important services to the public.
As the deadline to pass the spending bills approaches, it is crucial for lawmakers to prioritize the needs of the American people and ensure that the government remains operational. The IRS’s commitment to its work, even in the face of potential gridlock, is a testament to the dedication of its employees and the importance of its mission.
In conclusion, while the possibility of a government shutdown looms, the IRS remains committed to its work. With access to funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, the agency is poised to stay fully operational and continue pursuing tax evaders. It is now up to Congress to reach a deal and prevent a disruptive shutdown that could have far-reaching consequences for the country. The importance of funding the government and supporting federal agencies like the IRS cannot be overstated, as they play a crucial role in serving the American people.
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