These days, the Internal Revenue Service appears to have reached new heights of unpopularity among both members of the U.S. public and conservative politicians. While many conservatives have long-regarded the federal agency as being "broken," the IRS’ targeting of certain conservative groups that applied for tax-exempt status in 2013 appears to have been the tipping point, particularly among Tea Party members.
With republicans now in control of Congress, questions have been raised about the future of many of the initiatives, bills and laws taken up and enacted during the Obama administration, including the possible future of the IRS. As democrats and republicans gear up for the 2016 presidential election, the GOP recently added an interesting page to their website that speaks volumes about the party’s position when it comes to the IRS’ future.
The page, which is entitled, "Stand With the GOP and Fight to Abolish the IRS," requests that like-minded citizens sign a petition to do away with the federal agency. Included in the paragraph in which Congressman Paul Ryan is quoted, is the tagline, "tax collection should be simple, not scandalous," which perfectly sums up the party's general feelings about the IRS' recent practices. To date, nearly 25,000 people have signed the petition.
Despite the prominence and boldness of the GOP's petition, when questioned recently by reporters about the topic, GOP chairman Reince Priebus had surprising very little to say. While Priebus did go on record saying that "clearly people need a simplicated tax code," he would not directly answer questions about the petition to abolish the agency.
Many believe the GOP's decision to include the online petition is simply a way to gain the support, and precious dollars, of hard-line conservatives. In some ways, Priebus' silence speaks volumes and will likely spell big trouble for the IRS in the way of even more budget cuts which also adversely impacts taxpayers.
Regardless of the GOP's online petition, your taxes will still be due April 15. If you think you may need legal advice please contact us.
Source: Huffington Post, "GOP Party Chairman Really Doesn't Want To Talk About Abolishing The IRS," Jennifer Bendery, Feb. 3, 2015
