If enacted, HB9346 would directly influence employment policies at the IRS, mandating that the Commissioner of Internal Revenue verify the tax compliance status of applicants and existing employees within six months post-enactment and annually thereafter. This scrutiny means that individuals failing to meet these requirements would be ineligible for IRS employment, thereby potentially streamlining the workforce and ensuring that employees demonstrate a level of fiscal responsibility consistent with the agency's mission.
Summary
House Bill 9346, titled the 'Audit the IRS Act,' aims to address the eligibility criteria for employment within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by disqualifying individuals with seriously delinquent tax debts. The bill specifically defines 'seriously delinquent tax debt' as any outstanding tax obligation that has resulted in a public lien, excluding debts that are either being paid timely under a settlement agreement or those under dispute with the IRS. This measure seeks to uphold a standard of financial responsibility for IRS employees, as it is vital for maintaining public trust in the agency's integrity.
Contention
The bill's supporters argue that it is crucial for public confidence in the IRS, asserting that IRS employees should not be in a position to enforce tax laws while failing to comply with them personally. However, opponents may raise concerns about fairness and transparency in implementation, as the definitions of 'seriously delinquent tax debt' and the application of these criteria could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals or those unaware of their tax status. There may also be broader implications regarding employee privacy and the potential backlash from workforce reductions.
No Hires for the Delinquent IRS Act This bill prohibits the hiring of additional Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees until the Department of the Treasury publicly issues a written certification that the IRS does not employ any individual who has a seriously delinquent tax debt (i.e., an outstanding tax debt for which a notice of lien has been filed in public records).