Patrick Hedger is Executive Dir of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance
http://protectingtaxpayers.org
This is the first Tax Day with the IRS’ Direct File pilot program – something created by the Inflation Reduction Act. The IRS wants to both prepare Americans' tax docs AND manage contested returns – creating a clear conflict of interest, given that the tax collector *probably* doesn’t have a huge incentive to maximize Americans’ returns, versus private companies who do. The IRS couldn’t even handle distributing COVID stimulus checks, let alone creating this expansive program that goes far outside their authority.
The IRS Is Here to Help With Direct File. Oh No - WSJ
You might also remember all of the hubbub around the IRA creating 87,000 new IRS agent positions, which the Biden Admin swore would target the Uber-wealthy and those trying to cheat their taxes. However, a new report shows that 63% of audits last year targeted taxpayers making less than $200k. Also hilariously, the IRS only added 34 agents in the first six months of hiring with the boosted funding, despite a target of hiring 3,700 in the first year. I guess government’s incompetence can sometimes be good?