In Ramp-up of Oversight, House Committee Launches IRS Whistleblower Portal

WChairman of the ays-and-means Committee Jason Smith (R-MO), announced Wednesday the launch an online portal. IRS Employees can report malfeasance directly at Congress.

The portal There is a place for whistleblowers, where they can provide contact information. Information about any wrongdoing at the Internal Revenue Service or the misuse of taxpayer information are also available. To protect the line of communication, the website urges complainants to not use their work resources to complete the form.

“Unfortunately, it has become clear that relying on the IRS to be forthcoming about its failures or outright abuses of taxpayer confidence is insufficient to ensure much-needed, aggressive oversight of the agency,” Smith. “By providing IRS personnel with a safe, secure, and confidential way to provide information that might be vital to protecting taxpayers, the Ways and Means Committee is delivering on our commitment to hold government accountable.”

The launch of this portal signals an era of tight oversight for the IRS. After the midterm elections, Republicans took control of the IRS and made it clear that they would investigate the IRS. Smith told the Washington Examiner As he heads the powerful committee, IRS oversight would be his first priority.

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Curbing the growth Since the election, the IRS has been a focal point for the GOP. Inflation Reduction ActIn August, President Joe Biden and Democratic-majority Congress passed a $80 billion bill to hire 87,000 IRS employees. The House passed the first piece of legislation. dialing that back.

Smith has also expressed frustration about the still-unexplained leak last year of the tax returns of thousands of the nation’s wealthiest people. The leak occurred as the Biden administration was pushing tax policies and proposals on the assumption that the United States’ wealthiest citizens are not paying their fair portion in taxes.

Smith sent a notice to the IRS acting commissioner advising him and the agency that the portal was being launched. Smith requested that all IRS employees were notified about the new resource. He also set a deadline for confirmation by the agency.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

“We welcome and encourage IRS employees to use this portal to share any information they believe should be brought to the attention of the Committee as it conducts its oversight responsibilities,” It reads: