WASHINGTON, D.C. - Oversight Subcommittee Chairman John Lewis (D-GA), delivered the following statement today at a Ways and Means Subcommittee hearing on the National Taxpayer Advocate’s 2009 Report on the most serious problems facing taxpayers:
“The National Taxpayer Advocate is a valued resource for this Committee, and we are pleased to welcome her here today. She is a voice for all taxpayers. Her office was created to help taxpayers resolve problems at the Internal Revenue Service.
“As we meet today, we are in the middle of the tax return filing season, and we are mindful that so many Americans are suffering during these difficult economic times. So, it is a fitting time for us to hear from the Taxpayer Advocate.
“This hearing will give us a chance to learn what problems taxpayers are facing and how we can help. Calls that are not answered, penalties that bankrupt businesses, and liens that harm low-income taxpayers are only a few of the problems.
“Other problems include making taxpayers who offer to pay their taxes over time complete 100 steps to have the offer accepted. This is not right. It makes almost no sense. We must simplify the process to make it easier for taxpayers to meet their obligations.
“In some cases, the laws may need to be changed, and, in other cases, the IRS may need to change its policies. Either way, the time is now to address these problems.
“These issues are important to the Committee. They are important to taxpayers. We must work to address them this year.
Thank you."
