Feenstra-led Legislation to Keep Partisan Politics out of IRS Unanimously Passes U.S. House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the National Taxpayer Advocate Enhancement Act – introduced by U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) – unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives.

“American taxpayers expect and deserve the best customer service and case outcomes when filing their federal taxes. However, an outdated restriction imposed on the National Taxpayer Advocate prevents her from hiring the team that she needs to do her job. My bill clarifies that it is within the purview of the National Taxpayer Advocate to hire attorneys that report specifically to her,” said Rep. Feenstra. “These attorneys help conduct oversight, ensure taxpayers are being treated fairly, and inform Congress of taxpayer challenges at the IRS. With this improvement, American families will benefit from fewer headaches when dealing with the IRS and a more accountable government. We must keep partisan politics out of the IRS and focus solely on positive outcomes for taxpayers.”

“At a time when the IRS has singlehandedly undermined its own credibility in the eyes of taxpayers, it is vital that we protect the independence and the integrity of the Office of the National Taxpayer Advocate. This legislation ensures the American people can have faith in that entity to represent their best interests and can trust that its legal advice is not unduly influenced by the IRS,” said Chairman of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee Jason Smith. “I commend Representative Feenstra for his leadership on this issue and for being a tireless fighter for the rights of American taxpayers.”

The National Taxpayer Advocate Enhancement Act would clarify that it is within the purview of the National Taxpayer Advocate to hire attorneys that specifically report to her and support her efforts to serve taxpayers and work with caseworkers.

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