IRS To Face Scrutiny This Week

Senators will probe allegations the agency is too aggressive, and pursues vulnerable individuals

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, Sep. 22) -- The Internal Revenue Service, that government agency everyone loves to hate, will come under the glare of public scrutiny this week in the Senate.

Senate Finance Committee members will open hearings on Tuesday into alleged abuses by agents of the federal government's tax collector.

According to USA Today, senate investigators will focus on charges the IRS goes after low-worth individuals and families since they can more easily win those case than suits against wealthy people and corporations.

The IRS points to the 42 percent rate of reversal for penalties as evidence the agency is not out to punish innocent mistakes. And spokemen say the agency does not promote its employees based on success of collections.

But, though some Democrats are wary IRS abuses are being demagogued, Tuesday's hearing will likely be heated. Lawmakers will grill witnesses on whether IRS agents are too aggressive, and whether they are pressured to meet collection targets.

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Monday Sept. 22, 1997

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• IRS To Face Scrutiny This Week
• AllPolitics E-Wire

E-mail From Washington:
• Ickes Being Deposed Again By Senate Investigators

FDCH Transcript:
• Clinton's Remarks To The United Nations