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The Department of Homeland Security is taking the next step toward reaching its cloud aspirations by officially bringing the first vendor onboard its Cumulus project, according to contract documents published last Friday. The agency awarded nearly $2.6 billion to Amazon Web Services via a single-award indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for its cloud offerings, including Infrastructure as a Service, training and marketplace solutions. Cumulus was first introduced in January as part of procurement forecasting documents that outlined DHS's plan to increase the efficiency, flexibility and effectiveness of its cloud purchases in the hopes of unlocking “significant discounts.” At the time, DHS anticipated potential contracts would surpass $100 million, which is the ceiling for estimates on the Acquisition Planning Forecast System platform. The Cumulus project marks the first time cloud service providers have been tapped at an agencywide level, rather than by individual components. DHS plans to bring on other notable cloud providers. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure is expected to join next quarter, as is Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure. The award amounts for those contracts have not yet been disclosed. More than 2 in 5 IRS IT employees have either been separated from the agency or involuntarily reassigned to other positions during the second Trump administration, according to a watchdog report released last week. In its third workforce snapshot since President Donald Trump began his second term, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration found that the IRS lost 30% of its workforce (31,273 staffers) from January 2025 through January 2026, though it also added 2,000-some positions for a net decrease of 28%. Those departures were a mix of voluntary separations, deferred resignations or other incentive-induced exits. Among the tax agency's IT staff, 42% are gone, including 29% (2,497 individuals) who departed via separation or workforce reduction efforts. The remaining 13% (1,143 employees) were reassigned to the chief operating officer's staff, per the report. “According to the IRS, restructuring the IT department allowed them to simplify and align technical work with the agency's mission and core functions,” TIGTA reported. “IRS officials stated that the reassignment was not performance-related but was done to support Chief Operating Officer responsibilities.” Those non-IT responsibilities included the oversight of integrated support functions, implementing economy-of-scale efficiencies and facilitating better business practices, tax agency officials told the watchdog. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.
Tax delinquency rates among federal employees and retirees have been increasing since 2021. That's according to a new report from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration that finds about 50,000 federal employees failed to file a tax return for multiple years, including 122 employees who have not submitted one for eight or more years. TIGTA says the suspension of some collection programs during the COVID-19 pandemic is partly to blame for this increased delinquency. The program that collects this information, the Federal Employment/Retirement Delinquency Initiative, saw a staff reduction of 50% last year. TIGTA didn't include recommendations in its report, but says it has referred cases to IRS Criminal Investigations. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A recent review of IRS contract cancellations found hundreds of millions of dollars in potential savings, but far less clarity about how those decisions shifted impact onto service delivery and workloads. The findings raise questions about how agencies assess who absorbs the risk when decisions are made quickly. I'm joined by LaToya George from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This Day in Legal History: WHO EstablishedOn April 7, 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) was officially established when its constitution entered into force, marking a pivotal moment in the development of international law. The creation of the WHO reflected a growing recognition among nations that public health challenges transcend borders and require coordinated legal and institutional responses. Its constitution set out a broad definition of health as a fundamental human right, helping to shape future legal frameworks and policy discussions worldwide. By joining the organization, member states accepted binding obligations, particularly in the areas of disease surveillance, reporting, and cooperation. These obligations were designed to promote transparency and rapid response to emerging health threats, which had historically spread unchecked due to limited coordination.The WHO's legal framework also empowered the organization to issue regulations and recommendations, including what would later become the International Health Regulations, a key tool in managing global health emergencies. This marked an important shift toward formalized international governance in public health, moving beyond informal cooperation to structured legal commitments. The constitution further established the World Health Assembly, giving member states a forum to negotiate and adopt health-related policies with legal and political significance. Over time, the WHO has played a central role in shaping international responses to pandemics, vaccination efforts, and health equity initiatives. Its authority, while not absolute, carries significant influence in both legal and diplomatic contexts.A group of YouTube creators has filed a proposed class action lawsuit against Amazon, alleging that the company improperly used their copyrighted videos to train its AI video-generation tool, Nova Reel. The plaintiffs claim Amazon bypassed YouTube's technological safeguards to access and download large amounts of video content without permission. According to the complaint, Amazon used automated scraping tools and techniques like rotating IP addresses to avoid detection while extracting videos at scale. The creators argue that this conduct violated both YouTube's terms of service and federal copyright law.The lawsuit specifically alleges violations of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, focusing on Amazon's alleged circumvention of technological protection measures designed to safeguard content. Plaintiffs claim their videos were then used for Amazon's commercial benefit in developing its AI system, without compensation or consent. They also argue that once content is used to train AI models, it cannot be effectively removed, causing lasting harm to creators. The complaint challenges Amazon's characterization of its training data as “publicly available,” arguing that availability does not equal lawful use.The creators seek to represent a nationwide class of individuals whose content may have been similarly used. They are asking for damages, injunctive relief, and a declaration that Amazon's actions were willful. The case highlights broader tensions between content creators and AI developers over data sourcing practices. Similar lawsuits have been filed against other AI companies, reflecting a growing wave of litigation in this area.YouTube Creators Say Amazon Scrapes Videos To Train AI - Law360The Supreme Court of the United States has sent a long-running lawsuit over alleged FBI surveillance of Muslims in Southern California back to a lower court for reconsideration. The case, brought by several individuals including Sheikh Yassir Fazaga, claims the FBI unlawfully monitored their community using an informant after 9/11. The justices did not rule on the merits but instead instructed the lower courts to revisit the case in light of new factual developments and the government's motion to dismiss.At the center of the dispute is the state secrets privilege, a legal doctrine that allows the government to block litigation if it risks exposing national security information. The FBI has argued that continuing the case could reveal sensitive intelligence methods and weaken this protection. Previously, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit allowed parts of the lawsuit to move forward, reasoning that courts should not dismiss claims too early without fully examining whether secret evidence is truly necessary. The appellate court suggested possible ways to proceed while protecting classified information, such as limited judicial review of sensitive materials.The Supreme Court's earlier 2022 decision confirmed that the state secrets privilege applies but left open how it should be used in this case. The Ninth Circuit later revived some claims, while still dismissing others against individual agents. The government challenged that ruling, arguing it forces courts to rely on protected information in ways that undermine the privilege. Plaintiffs, however, maintain their case can proceed using non-classified evidence and that the subject matter itself is not a state secret.The remand keeps the case alive but unresolved, requiring the lower courts to reassess whether it can proceed without endangering national security. The outcome could shape how courts handle similar conflicts between civil rights claims and government secrecy.Justices Remand State Secrets Dispute In FBI Spying Case - Law360In my column for Bloomberg this week, I examine how a major IRS modernization effort fell short—not simply because of execution issues, but because of chronic underfunding. A recent report by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration shows that funds from the Inflation Reduction Act that were intended for modernization were largely redirected to cover basic operations. Instead of transforming systems and rebuilding long-term capacity, the IRS used much of the money to sustain staffing and maintain existing IT infrastructure. In my view, this outcome was predictable given the agency's longstanding resource constraints.I explain how budget cuts and workforce reductions undermined the modernization initiative from the start. Even with new funding, the IRS still had to meet its core obligation of processing hundreds of millions of tax returns each year. Faced with those pressures, it prioritized immediate operational needs over long-term upgrades, including spending significant sums on routine IT maintenance. I also point out that contractor spending surged, reflecting a growing reliance on outside support rather than investment in internal expertise.The report highlights inefficiencies as well, including canceled or reworked contracts that consumed large amounts of funding without delivering meaningful results. At the same time, labor costs remained elevated due to the complexities of downsizing, creating a situation where the IRS was both shrinking its workforce and paying contractors to compensate for lost capacity. I argue that this pattern is better understood as institutional outsourcing rather than modernization.Ultimately, I contend that real modernization cannot occur without stable baseline funding for core operations. Without that foundation, any new investment will continue to be diverted toward keeping the agency running. My conclusion is that Congress attempted to modernize the IRS without first ensuring its institutional stability, making the outcome not just disappointing, but largely inevitable. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
Lawmakers in both chambers of Congress are taking a closer look at a range of bipartisan IRS administration changes. House tax writers have advanced several pieces of legislation that would fix problems identified by taxpayer advocates and tax professionals. Some have become law. Senate Finance Committee lawmakers, meanwhile, recently introduced a large package that includes dozens of provisions that include digitizing more paper returns, providing more online information about refunds, and enhancing standards for tax return preparers. The interest in tax administration suggests there's a willingness among tax writers to try to take action—the key question is how. The two chambers' different approaches show an emerging disagreement over strategy. On this episode of Talking Tax, host David Schultz talks to Bloomberg Tax reporter Chris Cioffi about how a tax administration legislation has been taking shape, as well as the path forward in Congress. Do you have feedback on this episode of Talking Tax? Give us a call and leave a voicemail at 703-341-3690.
Amid ongoing conflicts and looming threats from peer adversaries like China, conversations around the American defense industrial base have shifted from capacity to resilience and speed. Meanwhile, software, AI and autonomy have emerged as key drivers for modern military operations, and with that, the DIB has evolved to incorporate new, non-traditional vendors that don't see themselves as prime defense contractors. That transformation and fielding efforts to bolster it are the focus of the Pentagon's Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, led by Hon. Michael Cadenazzi. Cadenazzi joining the Daily Scoop to discuss the new and ongoing policy efforts of his office to wrap its arms around, support and grow the modern defense supply chain, the challenges it faces, how it can keep pace with commercial innovation, and what comes next. The cost to run Direct File for the 2025 tax filing season was tens of millions of dollars less than what the IRS estimated it would be, according to a new watchdog report. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration found that the IRS ended up spending $16.2 million on the since-cancelled free electronic filing service in fiscal 2025 — far shy of the $61.2 million projected by the IRS. That $45 million gap appears to undercut one of Direct File opponents' main complaints about the customer-praised digital initiative: that it was supposedly an inefficient use of government resources. However, TIGTA noted some caveats to that finding: The IRS initially “overestimated” how many people would use Direct File and how many “assistors” would be needed to support them. Just 751,000 taxpayers registered with Direct File for its limited second season; the IRS estimated that 32 million taxpayers would be eligible to use the tool, according to the Treasury watchdog. Of those who registered, 59% did not ultimately submit a tax return through the system. The Federal Aviation Administration is collecting information about the evolving operational and infrastructure needs of airports, given the increasing integration of unmanned aircraft systems. The FAA aims to catalog and inventory best practices for airport design standards and standalone facilities, called droneports, as part of the request for comment published in the Federal Register on Monday. The Department of Transportation component wants to interview representatives from equipment manufacturers, unmanned aircraft system vendors, the military and other stakeholders. After the comment period closes next month, the FAA will use responses to inform a report that will then shape operational evaluations and standard-setting tied to the integration of drones. The information-gathering effort comes amid a heightened focus on drone and counter-drone technologies. The FAA laid out plans to create an office overseeing the integration of drones and other advanced aviation technologies as part of its broader organizational overhaul beginning in January. Just days later, the FAA reopened a request for information centered around the handling of UAS and proposed policies for location-tracking, data-sharing and detection technologies. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.
It will hopefully never happen to you, but what if you're taken hostage and therefore unable to file a tax return? It's probably one of the last things on your mind during a traumatic experience, so the IRS does have a plan in place to make sure a victim doesn't face any unfair consequences from their ordeal. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration recently took a look at those protocols. To learn what they found, Federal News Network's Eric White spoke to one of the auditors who conducted the review at TIGTA, John Da Cruz.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This Day in Legal History: Wesberry v. Sanders On February 17, 1964, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Wesberry v. Sanders, one of the most consequential voting rights cases in American history. The dispute arose from Georgia's congressional districts, where vast population disparities meant that some districts had two or even three times as many residents as others. In practical terms, this imbalance diluted the voting power of citizens in more populated, often urban, districts. James P. Wesberry challenged the system, arguing that it violated Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution, which provides that members of the House of Representatives are chosen “by the People.”In a 6–3 decision, the Court agreed. Writing for the majority, Justice Hugo Black concluded that the Constitution requires congressional districts to be drawn so that “as nearly as practicable one man's vote in a congressional election is to be worth as much as another's.” The ruling established the principle of “one person, one vote” for federal elections. It rejected longstanding districting schemes that favored rural regions at the expense of growing urban populations. The decision forced states to redraw congressional maps to ensure substantially equal populations across districts.Wesberry was part of the broader reapportionment revolution of the 1960s, alongside cases addressing state legislative districts. Together, these decisions reshaped American democracy by making representation more closely tied to population equality. By insisting that each vote carry roughly equal weight, the Court strengthened the constitutional promise of representative government. February 17, 1964, marks a turning point in election law and the modern understanding of political equality.A federal judge in New York has ruled that discrimination claims brought by a group of NFL coaches will proceed in court rather than in arbitration. U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni denied the league's request to compel arbitration, finding that the NFL's arbitration system was not fair or neutral. The lawsuit was filed by former Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores, later joined by Steve Wilks and Ray Horton, who allege racial discrimination and retaliation in hiring practices. The case has been stalled for several years while the parties disputed whether it belonged in federal court or before an arbitrator.Judge Caproni relied heavily on a 2025 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, which concluded that the NFL's arbitration structure was fundamentally flawed. The appellate court criticized the system because the NFL commissioner served as the default arbitrator and controlled the procedures, raising concerns about neutrality. It held that such an arrangement did not allow Flores to effectively vindicate his statutory rights. Based on that reasoning, Judge Caproni determined that the arbitration clause could not be enforced for the remaining claims. She also declined to delay the case further while the NFL considers seeking review from the U.S. Supreme Court.The coaches argue that requiring them to arbitrate before the league's own commissioner would deprive them of a fair forum. Their attorneys praised the ruling, saying it affirms that employees cannot be forced into a process controlled by the opposing party's chief executive. The NFL has not publicly responded to the latest order. The case will now move forward in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.NFL Found To Fumble Arbitration Over Bias, Must Go To Court - Law360Ruling says Brian Flores lawsuit vs. NFL, teams can go to court - ESPNA Stanford psychiatry professor testified in a California bellwether trial that research supports the existence of social media addiction and its harmful effects on young people. Dr. Anna Lembke told jurors that peer-reviewed studies show heavy use of platforms such as Instagram and YouTube can contribute to depression, anxiety, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts. She cited a National Institutes of Health study tracking more than 11,000 minors, which found that children who were not initially depressed were more likely to develop depression after significant social media use. According to Lembke, the study undermines the argument that already-depressed teens simply gravitate toward social media.Her testimony contrasts with statements from Instagram's CEO, who told the jury he does not believe social media addiction is real. The case is the first of several bellwether trials arising from thousands of consolidated lawsuits claiming platforms intentionally designed addictive features. The companies are accused of using tools such as autoplay, notifications, and infinite scrolling to encourage compulsive use. The claims focus on whether these design features are addictive, rather than on third-party content posted by users. Plaintiffs assert negligence, failure to warn, and concealment.During cross-examination, defense attorneys questioned Lembke about passages in her book describing her own compulsive reading of romance novels, attempting to challenge her views on addiction. She responded that her examples were meant to show how modern systems increase vulnerability to compulsive behavior, not to trivialize serious substance addictions. Defense counsel also argued that platform features are easy to disable, but Lembke maintained her analysis centered on their addictive qualities, not on user settings. Outside the courthouse, families held a rally memorializing children whose deaths they attribute to social media harms. The trial will continue next week.Stanford Prof Tells Jury Studies Confirm Social Media Addiction - Law360In a piece I wrote for Forbes this week, I argue that the IRS's decision to expand tax relief for Americans held hostage abroad is both correct and incomplete. The agency currently freezes collections, halts enforcement notices, and abates penalties when taxpayers are physically incapable of complying due to foreign captivity. I contend that this relief is grounded not in diplomacy, but in a simple principle: incapacity makes compliance impossible. If that principle justifies relief abroad, it should apply equally when the U.S. government wrongfully detains someone at home.I explain that the IRS already has administrative authority to provide this type of relief, as confirmed in a recent Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration report. When notified by the State Department or FBI, the IRS places a “hostage indicator” on an account, pausing automated enforcement and suspending penalties during captivity and for six months after release. Although TIGTA identified some administrative flaws in how the system operates, the broader framework demonstrates that the agency can act without new legislation.By contrast, taxpayers subjected to wrongful domestic detention—particularly in immigration contexts—receive no comparable safeguard. The compliance system continues to generate notices, penalties, and interest even when individuals are cut off from mail, income, and legal assistance. I argue that this disparity undermines fairness and weakens the legitimacy that voluntary tax compliance depends on. Congress may move to formalize relief for foreign hostages, but the IRS does not need to wait to address domestic cases.I propose that the agency adopt a parallel framework for wrongful domestic detention, triggered by certification from a federal authority or court. Such a system would temporarily suspend collection activity and abate penalties during detention and a reasonable transition period after release. The goal is consistency: a tax system should not distinguish between foreign and domestic incapacity when the result is the same inability to comply.IRS Suspends Tax Obligations For Hostages Abroad—Do The Same At HomeIn my column for Bloomberg this week, I argue that Massachusetts' proposed regulation on taxing standardized software creates a rigid and impractical apportionment system for multistate businesses. Under the draft rule, any company seeking to allocate tax based on actual in-state use must register through MassTaxConnect and obtain a software apportionment certificate. At the time of purchase, the buyer must also submit a transaction-specific statement explaining its allocation percentage and supporting rationale. I contend that this framework imposes significant administrative burdens on businesses that operate across multiple states.Even companies willing to overpay rather than calculate precise usage would not have an easy option. If they decline to complete the required documentation, they must pay tax on 100% of the purchase price, regardless of how little of the software is actually used in Massachusetts. I argue that this approach effectively turns multistate buyers into compliance agents who must track usage, justify percentages, and retain records for possible audits. At the same time, the Department of Revenue would assume the role of reviewing and policing each allocation.I point out that enterprise software usage is often fluid and difficult to track, especially when licenses are pooled, accessed remotely, or bundled into broader contracts. Proving precise state-by-state use may be costly or even unworkable. Instead of forcing every buyer into this detailed regime, I propose a safe harbor option. Businesses could elect a fixed in-state percentage, such as 25%, and accept taxation on that amount without additional paperwork or registration.I explain that this alternative would not eliminate full apportionment for those seeking precision or refunds, but would provide a simpler path for others. The safe harbor could even operate on a transitional basis while the state evaluates how the broader certification system functions. Ultimately, I argue that modernization should not mean added complexity, and that a fixed-percentage election would promote voluntary compliance, reduce administrative strain, and provide greater certainty for both taxpayers and the state. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
W Popołudniu Wnet doszło do merytorycznej debaty ponad podziałami. Rafał Komarewicz z Polski 2050 i Janusz Kowalski z Prawa i Sprawiedliwości oceniali start Krajowego Systemu e-Faktur (KSeF) oraz szerzej – kierunek reform podatkowych. Choć reprezentują przeciwne obozy, obaj zgodzili się w jednym: system został wdrożony zbyt szybko i bez wystarczających testów.„System powinien być przetestowany”Poseł Komarewicz, przewodniczący sejmowej Komisji Gospodarki, podkreślał, że problemem nie jest sama idea KSeF, lecz sposób jej wprowadzenia.„Mówiłem już kilka tygodni temu, że ten system powinien być przede wszystkim przetestowany. Dać sobie co najmniej trzy miesiące, a nie pół roku, żeby sprawdzić, jak on działa. Niestety Ministerstwo Finansów nie posłuchało”.Jak relacjonował, na posiedzeniach komisji przedsiębiorcy wprost wskazywali, że system jest nieprzetestowany.„Była prezentowana informacja ze strony przedsiębiorców, że to jest nieprzetestowany system po prostu”.Jedyną dobrą wiadomością – jego zdaniem – jest zapowiedź braku sankcji w 2026 roku.„Przedstawiciele Ministerstwa Finansów powiedzieli, że w 2026 roku nie będzie kar za nieprzystąpienie do KSeF-u i będą również w obiegu faktury papierowe. To jest jedyna dobra informacja”.Kowalski: idea dobra, wykonanie fatalneJanusz Kowalski podkreślał, że jako zwolennik cyfryzacji popiera samą koncepcję KSeF.„Jestem zwolennikiem cyfryzacji, operacyjnego obniżania kosztów przedsiębiorcom, żeby przedsiębiorca skupiał się na biznesie”.Jednocześnie ostro krytykował sposób wdrożenia systemu.„Te dwa lata zostały przez ministra Andrzeja Domańskiego zmarnowane. Akty wykonawcze zostały wydane w grudniu, kilka tygodni temu. Są ogromne problemy informatyczne”.Wskazywał na konkretne usterki zgłaszane przez księgowych i przedsiębiorców.„Są duże problemy techniczne z fakturami z zewnętrznych systemów księgowych do KSeF. Często nie pojawia się numer konta bankowego”.Kowalski zwracał uwagę na przeciążone infolinie urzędów skarbowych i brak koordynacji między resortami.„Zabrakło komunikacji między Ministerstwem Cyfryzacji w kontekście ePUAP-u a Ministerstwem Finansów. Zamiast skupić się na pracy, przedsiębiorcy muszą się użerać z KSeF-em”.W jego ocenie także komunikat o braku sankcji przyniósł odwrotny skutek.„Większość przedsiębiorców uznała, że ta sprawa ich nie dotyczy. Nie pobrali uprawnień, nie są świadomi, że muszą odbierać faktury w KSeF-ie, i to prowadzi do jeszcze większego chaosu”.Prowadzący pytał, czy krytyka oznacza ponadpartyjny konsensus. Rafał Komarewicz tonował te wnioski.„Nie chodzi o to, że było błędem. Zgadzamy się co do oceny sytuacji, a nie poglądów politycznych. Zobaczymy, jak to będzie wyglądało po miesiącu funkcjonowania”.Zapowiedział, że pierwsze podsumowanie działania KSeF odbędzie się w połowie marca na Komisji Gospodarki.Podatki: od klasy średniej po demografięDruga część rozmowy dotyczyła reform podatkowych. Komarewicz przedstawił ramową propozycję zmian w PIT.„Klasa średnia biednieje i to w zastraszającym tempie. Proponuję podnieść kwotę wolną z 30 do 45 tysięcy i drugi próg z 120 do 200 tysięcy, z coroczną waloryzacją”.Wskazywał też źródła finansowania, m.in. podatek przychodowy dla dużych koncernów, zmiany w ryczałcie oraz podatek katastralny od czwartego mieszkania.„Jeżeli ktoś ma cztery, pięć, sześć mieszkań i z tego żyje, to powinien płacić podatek katastralny. To oczywiście jest do dyskusji”.Janusz Kowalski deklarował gotowość do rozmowy ponad podziałami i przypominał o własnych propozycjach.„Jestem zwolennikiem prostych podatków i pełnej automatyzacji systemu. W trzy lata jesteśmy w stanie wprowadzić Tax Administration 3.0”.Odwoływał się też do projektów prodemograficznych.„Nie ma dziś ważniejszej sprawy niż demografia. PIT 0 proc. dla rodzin z co najmniej dwójką dzieci to bardzo dobre rozwiązanie, o którym powinniśmy poważnie porozmawiać”./fa
The Pentagon said it consolidated policies around protecting American military facilities from drone threats after unclear guidance that left base commanders scrambling on how to respond and years of increased unmanned aerial system sightings over key Defense Department assets. Drone incursions over American military bases jumped considerably over the last several years, alarming officials, and a Pentagon watchdog report released last week said the DOD's confused policies meant some facilities in the U.S. couldn't adequately protect themselves. Following the release of the Defense Department Inspector General report last Tuesday, which noted dire gaps in military counter-UAS policy that limited base responses to drone threats, the Pentagon said it had already adjusted its guidelines last month in an effort to give commanders “expanded authority and flexibility needed to dominate the airspace above their installations.” Countering drones in the U.S. is complex and has been a yearslong, thorny problem for the military, especially as the tech becomes ubiquitous for both hobbyists and adversaries. Stateside drone defense means navigating a delicate balance between protecting military installations while avoiding civilian harm or infrastructure damage. But the issue is only growing, top military officials have said, and the new guidance is the latest attempt by the Pentagon to manage it. The policies, which the release said was signed on Dec. 8 by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, expanded base commanders' defensive area around facilities, explicitly identified any unauthorized drone surveillance over installations as a threat, allowed UAS sensor data sharing between other federal agencies and authorized top service leaders to designate facilities as “covered,” a special classification that allows for drone defense. With tax filing season officially gearing up, the Treasury Department's watchdog is warning the IRS that its workforce reductions and delays to modernization projects have left the tax agency in a precarious position. In a memo sent Monday to the IRS commissioner, Diana M. Tengesdal, deputy inspector general for audit, wrote that the agency's cuts have brought staffing back to October 2021 levels, prior to the Inflation Reduction Act funding infusion aimed at strengthening enforcement on wealthy individuals and corporations and modernizing antiquated IT systems. The loss of personnel has led to a backsliding on previous agency priorities, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration official noted, pointing specifically to a pandemic-created backlog of tax returns awaiting processing. The tax agency had made serious strides in addressing that backlog, TIGTA found in a September 2023 report, but Trump administration staff cuts combined with the recent government shutdown have led to inventory levels that are 129% higher than pre-pandemic figures. “Inventory that is not worked during the current processing year will be carried into the 2026 Filing Season and may affect the IRS's ability to timely process tax returns during the filing season, especially with reduced staff,” Tengesdal wrote. “This could result in delays in taxpayers receiving refunds and could result in the IRS paying interest,” she continued. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.
The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is developing a new three-year Corporate Strategic Business Plan to guide its operations from 2026 to 2029. The week-long, in-house workshop brought together senior IRD leadership and consultants from the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC), who are providing technical guidance and facilitation.
Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority General Director Helena Alves Borges discusses the agency's modernization efforts and preparation for pillar 2. For more episodes from Lisbon, listen to "From Lisbon: Highlights From the 2025 IFA Congress."For more tax news and analysis, read the following in Tax Notes:More Countries Still Considering Amount B AdoptionOECD Building Out Work on AI Usage in Tax AdministrationEU Wants Its U.S. Subsidiaries to Be Subject to Top-Up TaxFollow us on X:Stephanie Soong: @StephanieSoongDavid Stewart: @TaxStewTax Notes: @TaxNotes**This episode is sponsored by Avalara. For more information, visit avalara.com.Join us at the inaugural Tax Trends Summit in Washington, D.C. presented by Tax Notes and the ABA Tax Section. For more information, visit taxnotes.co/taxtrends25.***CreditsHost: David D. StewartExecutive Producers: Jeanne Rauch-Zender, Paige JonesProducers: Jordan Parrish, Peyton RhodesAudio Engineers: Jordan Parrish, Peyton Rhodes
Taxpayer advocates are keeping close watch on this week's decision to name Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank Bisignano as CEO of the IRS, and have many questions about what it could mean for the agency. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Monday he was creating a new IRS CEO position, and Republicans in Congress seem to be generally supportive, though some said the White House should still name an IRS commissioner nominee. The Treasury Department assured staff in GOP Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley's office that a commissioner nominee would still be sent to the Senate. At the same time, the Senate Finance Committee voted Wednesday to advance Derek Theurer's nomination to be undersecretary for legislative affairs and Donald Korb's nomination to be IRS chief counsel. That's good news for Pete Sepp —president of the National Taxpayers Union, a taxpayer advocacy group—who is concerned that many of the top IRS positions remained unfilled. Sepp, who sat down with Bloomberg Tax Senior Reporter Chris Cioffi for this episode of Talking Tax, said Congress is right to seek answers about how the CEO job interacts with the commissioner. He said he hoped the CEO position, in the future, would be selected by an IRS oversight board that has been dormant for more than a decade. Do you have feedback on this episode of Talking Tax? Give us a call and leave a voicemail at 703-341-3690.
A new IG report reveals the IRS sent incorrect taxpayer data to the Department of Education—raising serious questions about how federal agencies exchange sensitive information. As the Department of Government Efficiency pushes for broader data consolidation across government and as the IRS continues to shed staff and funding, this slip-up shows how one error can ripple across systems and put personal privacy at risk. Here to unpack the findings and what they mean for future data-sharing efforts is the Director, System Operations, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Jena Whitley. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
For tax authorities and even taxpayers, AI promises to make lives easier. At the same time, it carries risks that “cannot be taken out of the system.” Dr. Stephen Daly, reader in tax law at King's College London, describes this dynamic in a conversation with Skadden partners David Farhat and Eric Sensenbrenner, associate Stefane Victor and senior advisor De Lon Harris. The panel explores the best and worst of the impact of AI in the tax world. Tune in for insights about what AI means for taxpayers and tax authorities alike.
The likely successor to the late Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., hopes to continue his former boss's commitment to federal IT reform if elected to Congress, while also gearing up to build his own legacy in the era of DOGE. Democrat James Walkinshaw told FedScoop in an interview last week that carrying on Connolly's federal IT advocacy is especially important to him as widespread workforce and program cuts present new challenges for the government's IT staff and related initiatives. While issues like IT modernization and procurement might “become less and less sexy by the day” amid other controversies in Washington, Walkinshaw said he is a “believer” that Congress should keep its foot on the pedal in this space. Walkinshaw, who served as Connolly's chief of staff for 11 years, is vying for Virginia's 11th congressional seat this fall to succeed the late congressman following his death from cancer in May. He currently serves on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. During the interview with FedScoop, Walkinshaw shared his thoughts on the lasting impacts of DOGE, his concerns with agency adoption of AI and his policy goals, if elected. The IRS has lost a quarter of its workforce since the beginning of the Trump administration, including thousands from the tax agency's IT business unit, according to newly released watchdog data. A snapshot report from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration found that more than 25,000 IRS employees either took the deferred resignation offer, retired or were separated from the agency in another way, while nearly 300 staffers were terminated via reduction-in-force actions. Combined, those departures represent 25% of the agency's workforce, which has downsized from roughly 103,000 staffers to 77,428 as of May. According to TIGTA, the IRS's IT business unit has lost 25% of its staffers over the same period, leaving the division with just over 2,100 employees. The IT management job series across agency units is down 23%, per the report. TIGTA also confirmed previous FedScoop reporting on the IRS's move in late March to place nearly 50 IT executives on administrative leave. Among those employees, 26 eventually departed via Treasury Department incentive offerings, while another 22 are still on admin leave, per the watchdog. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.
What should everyone know about digitalization right now and moving into the future? How does digitalization shape our life, work and society? What makes digitalization humane? This book invites the reader into a great Finnish story. It provides a uniquely broad overview of digitalization as told by the changemakers. It has the courage to question and challenges people to act. The author, Martti Vaalahti, is a communications professional and writer who has worked with digitalization for over two decades. This book is published by Gofore Plc, translated from the Finnish by Ian Mac Eochagáin, and read by Annabel Baldwin.
A top House Democrat wants an investigation into the Department of Government Efficiency's access to IRS systems. Oversight and Government Reform Committee Ranking Member Gerry Connolly requested the investigation in a May 15th letter to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. He raised concerns about DOGE plans to centralize IRS data. Connolly also highlighted potential issues with the IRS' data-sharing agreements with the Department of Homeland Security. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The National Labor Relations Board's inspector general is conducting an investigation into the Department of Government Efficiency's work at the agency. In April, an IT staffer named Daniel Berulis filed an official whistleblower disclosure with Congress highlighting concerns over DOGE's practices at the NLRB and data that may have been removed from the agency. In response to the disclosure, Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, requested an investigation in a letter to Luiz A. Santos, acting inspector general of the Labor Department, and Ruth Blevins, inspector general at the NLRB. Timothy Bearese, an attorney at the NLRB currently serving as its acting director of congressional and public affairs, told FedScoop that the agency has no comment but “can confirm that the OIG is conducting an investigation, as requested by Ranking Member Connolly.” Back In April, Bearese told NPR that the NLRB had not granted DOGE access to agency systems. At that time, he also said that there had been a past investigation based on Berulis' concerns that “determined that no breach of agency systems occurred.” A spokesperson for House Oversight Committee Democrats told FedScoop on Thursday that “there are multiple investigations into Elon Musk's violations of sensitive investigatory information at the NLRB.” House Oversight Democrats are asking a Treasury Department watchdog to open an investigation into DOGE's data and IT modernization dealings at the IRS following reports of an internal “hackathon” at the tax agency that may have involved Palantir. In a letter sent Thursday to Heather Hill, acting head of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, House Oversight ranking member Gerry Connolly, D-Va., cited “deep concern” over reporting in Wired last month that revealed plans for a 30-day sprint where DOGE engineers and a third-party vendor — potentially the data analytics giant Palantir — would create a new application programming interface connected to taxpayer data. That API, Wired reported, would essentially serve as a storage center for all IRS data and enable agency systems to interact with unknown cloud services. Building a “mega API” is likely connected to plans for a “master database” that also pulls in data from the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration, according to Wired, part of a Trump administration effort to track and surveil immigrants. “The reported data centralization and integration effort could undermine intentional compartmentalization of IRS systems,” which raises “serious privacy questions,” Connolly wrote. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.
Join America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy with U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, senior senator for Tennessee and the first woman to represent the Volunteer State in the United States Senate. She serves on the Deputy Whip Team and is a member of the Finance Committee; the Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee; the Veterans' Affairs Committee; and the Judiciary Committee. Senator Marsha Blackburn serves as the Ranking Member on the Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security and on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law. Before her election to the Senate, Marsha represented Tennessee's 7th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. The conversation focuses on the following topics: ✅ President Trump's State of the Union Address, presenting his vision for a Golden Age of America. ✅ Senator Blackburn requiring transparency and accountability, working with FBI Director Kash Patel in obtaining unredacted Epstein logs and other pertinent materials ✅ Senator Blackburn spearheading DOGE Acts to hold the federal government accountable for managing taxpayer dollars. Collaborative efforts with Elon Mask in making the federal government more efficient and slash wasteful spending. ✅ Strengthening the economic partnership between the U.S. and Taiwan. ✅ Senator Blackburn's recently introduced Tax Administration Simplification Act, to provide straightforward, taxpayer-focused improvements to streamline tax filing and payment for individuals and small businesses. ✅ Strengthening US-Israel ties and combating anti-Semitism with new leadership in Congress and the White House. ✅ Making America Healthy Again | Healthy foods and eating habits for a healthier America. Throughout her time in Congress, Marsha has led the fight to hold Communist China accountable. Her in-depth analyses of the Chinese Communist Party's threats to American sovereignty have prompted Congress to examine legislation countering Beijing's malign influence on global supply chains, technology infrastructure, and international organizations. After Beijing took over the once autonomous region of Hong Kong in 2019, Marsha led bipartisan legislation, which was signed into law by President Trump, that prohibits the U.S. export of crowd control equipment to the Hong Kong Police Force. Her bipartisan Open Technology Fund Authorization Act, which supports internet freedom by addressing authoritarian regimes' efforts to censor the internet, was also signed into law. At the same time Marsha has stood up to Communist China, she has worked to bolster the U.S.-Taiwan relationship. In August 2022, she visited Taiwan, met with President Tsai Ing-wen in Taipei, and called to strengthen connections between the U.S. and Taiwan. During this visit, Marsha made her stance clear: Taiwan is a country. On border policy, Marsha bases her approach on the simple truth that until our borders are secure, every town will be a border town and every state will be a border state. In the Senate, she has led the charge to fully fund the United States Border Patrol, restart construction of a physical barrier, impose harsher criminal penalties for drug smuggling, and fight for law and order on behalf of the thousands of women and girls lost to cross-border human trafficking. Further reading: Blackburn, Hassan, Colleagues Introduce the “Patients Before Middlemen Act” to Bring Down Cost of Prescription Drugs (https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/3/health%20care/blackburn-hassan-colleagues-introduce-the-patients-before-middlemen-act-to-bring-down-cost-of-prescription-drugs) Blackburn, Kelly Push for More Federal Resources to Combat Fentanyl Crisis in Tennessee (https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/2/crime/national%20security/blackburn-kelly-pushes-for-more-federal-resources-to-combat-fentanyl-crisis-in-arizona) Blackburn, Schatz Introduce Bill to Strengthen U.S.-Taiwan Partnership, Safeguard U.S. from Communist China's Security Threats (https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/2/china/jobs%20and%20economy/national%20security/blackburn-schatz-introduce-bill-to-strengthen-u-s-taiwan-partnership-safeguard-u-s-from-communist-china-s-security-threats) americasrt.com (https://americasrt.com/) https://ileaderssummit.org/ | https://jerusalemleaderssummit.com/ America's Roundtable on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/americas-roundtable/id1518878472 Twitter: @MarshaBlackburn @ileaderssummit @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio program - a strategic initiative of International Leaders Summit, focuses on America's economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world. Tune into America's Roundtable Radio program from Washington, DC via live streaming on Saturday mornings via 65 radio stations at 7:30 A.M. (ET) on Lanser Broadcasting Corporation covering the Michigan and the Midwest market, and at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk Mississippi — SuperTalk.FM reaching listeners in every county within the State of Mississippi, and neighboring states in the South including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Listen to America's Roundtable on digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google and other key online platforms. Listen live, Saturdays at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk | https://www.supertalk.fm
President-elect Donald Trump's plans to deconstruct the federal workforce would take a bite out of IRS efforts to answer taxpayer phone calls and enforce compliance for tax cheats. After getting billions in funding from the 2022 tax-and-climate law, the IRS started a long-needed rebuild, including bringing on more workers. Between Oct. 1, 2021 and Sept. 30, 2023, the IRS processed nearly 53,000 new hires, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration said in a September report. But Trump's promises to end remote work for federal workers and reinstate a policy that would make it easier to fire certain employees are seen as ways to end the IRS's competitiveness in the job market and ability to keep employees who are flight risks. Bloomberg Tax reporter Erin Slowey spoke with Kelly Reyes, executive director of the Professional Managers Association that represents the interests of IRS managers, about what a presidential transition means for IRS employees and how agency managers are preparing for next tax filing season. Do you have feedback on this episode of Talking Tax? Give us a call and leave a voicemail at 703-341-3690.
The IRS wants U.S. citizens to be honest about paying their tax obligations. But who keeps the I-R-S on its toes? For the last 25 years, that's been the job of the Treasury Inspector for Tax Administration known as TIGTA. It started in 1999, following landmark Congressional overhaul of the IRS in 1998. Here with a review, senior advisor Matt Schimmel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The IRS wants U.S. citizens to be honest about paying their tax obligations. But who keeps the I-R-S on its toes? For the last 25 years, that's been the job of the Treasury Inspector for Tax Administration known as TIGTA. It started in 1999, following landmark Congressional overhaul of the IRS in 1998. Here with a review, senior advisor Matt Schimmel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Diesen Monat machen wir es kurz: SPD, CDU und FDP leiten mit Vorschlägen zu Einkommensteuer, Unternehmensteuer und Finanzbildung den Steuer-Wahlkampf ein. Wir diskutieren die Vorschläge und ihre Implikationen für Verteilungsgerechtigkeit. Außerdem zeichnen wir einen Vergleich zwischen Entwicklungen in der britischen und der deutschen Steuerverwaltung seit den Pandemiejahren. Zum Abschluss stellt Julia ihr kürzlich veröffentlichtes Buch "Blackbox Steuerpolitik" vor und berichtet aus dem Entstehungsprozess. (02:23) Strategiepapier der SPD: 95% sollen entlastet werden (07:41) CDU will Unternehmensteuern senken (13:59) Finanzbildung durch die FDP: "CL_erklärt" (17:17) Britische und deutsche Steuerverwaltung im Vergleich (31:24) Julia stellt ihr Buch vor: "Blackbox Steuerpolitik" Julias Buch "Blackbox Steuerpolitik": https://dietz-verlag.de/isbn/9783801206826/Blackbox-Steuerpolitik-Wie-unser-Steuersystem-Ungleichheit-foerdert-Ein-Reformvorschlag-Julia-Jirmann Das Strategiepapier der SPD: https://www.seeheimer-kreis.de/fileadmin/data/documents/20241007_Seeheimer_Strategiepapier_Arbeitende_Mitte_staerken.pdf Stefan Bach rechnet den SPD-Vorschlag für die ZEIT durch: https://www.zeit.de/wirtschaft/2024-10/steuerreform-spd-einkommen-reichtum-finanzpolitik CDU-Antrag zur Unternehmensteuersenkung im Finanzausschuss: https://www.bundestag.de/dokumente/textarchiv/2024/kw26-de-unternehmensteuerrecht-1008390 OECD zur Entwicklung der Unternehmensteuern weltweit: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/tax-policy-reforms-2024_c3686f5e-en.html Mit Geld und Verstand: https://www.mitgeldundverstand.de/fibi/DE/Festival-fuer-Finanzbildung/Rueckblick/rueckblick.html Geld mit Verstand: https://www.geldmitverstand.de/ Studie "Finanzbildung als politisches Projekt": https://www.otto-brenner-stiftung.de/finanzbildung-als-politisches-projekt/ Der Bericht "State of Tax Administration 2024" von TaxWatch: https://www.taxwatchuk.org/state-of-tax-administration-2024/ Hier könnt ihr unseren Newsletter abonnieren: https://www.netzwerk-steuergerechtigkeit.de/mitmachen/newsletter/ Und hier geht's zu den Fördermitgliedschaften: https://www.netzwerk-steuergerechtigkeit.de/unterstuetzen/ Wir freuen uns über jegliches Feedback an yannick.schwarz@netzwerk-steuergerechtigkeit.de oder per Nachricht an einen unserer Kanäle auf den sozialen Medien: https://linktr.ee/netzwerksteuergerechtigkeit Credit für die verwendete Musik, jeweils von pixabay.com: Intro: Eco Technology von Lexin_Music Outro: The Pace of Africa von Purple Planet Music
The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration flagged 1,800 contracted employees listed as active but were no longer assigned to an ongoing contract. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration flagged 1,800 contracted employees listed as active but were no longer assigned to an ongoing contract. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Taxpayers who can't resolve their issues with the I-R-S can turn to the Taxpayer Advocate Service. But phoning the service is likely to bring frustration of its own. That comes to light after a look-see by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Details now from TIGTA's chief of staff for inspections and evaluations, Eleina Monroe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Taxpayers who can't resolve their issues with the I-R-S can turn to the Taxpayer Advocate Service. But phoning the service is likely to bring frustration of its own. That comes to light after a look-see by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Details now from TIGTA's chief of staff for inspections and evaluations, Eleina Monroe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This Day in Legal History: Carlin's Seven Dirty Words Get to SCOTUSOn July 3, 1978, the US Supreme Court delivered a landmark decision in FCC v. Pacifica Foundation, affirming the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) authority to reprimand New York radio station WBAI for airing George Carlin's "Seven Dirty Words" comedy routine. The 5-4 ruling centered on Carlin's sketch, which listed words inappropriate for public broadcast. The Court held that the FCC could regulate indecent material on public airwaves during times when children might be listening. Justice John Paul Stevens, writing for the majority, emphasized that broadcast media have unique accessibility to children and thus require special considerations. This ruling underscored the government's role in safeguarding public morality on airwaves, distinguishing broadcast media from other forms of communication due to its pervasive presence and accessibility. The decision sparked ongoing debates about free speech and government regulation, influencing policies on broadcasting standards and the permissible content on public airwaves.A federal district court in Kansas has preliminarily blocked an Education Department rule that protects children from discrimination based on gender identity in schools receiving federal funding. Judge John W. Broomes issued the injunction, affecting Alaska, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming. This rule, which extends Title IX protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity, has now been blocked in 14 states, following similar injunctions last month.Judge Broomes, appointed by Trump, found that the states are likely to succeed in their claim that the Biden Administration exceeded its authority by expanding the definition of sex discrimination. The states argued that the regulation's definition of sexual harassment would suppress the speech of students who believe sex is immutable and binary, and who use biologically accurate pronouns. Broomes agreed, stating that the rule's definition of sex-based harassment is impermissibly vague under the Administrative Procedure Act.This decision is a setback for the Biden Administration's efforts to enhance LGBTQ rights. Since the Supreme Court's 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision, which guaranteed same-sex marriage, conservative legal efforts have focused on issues such as transgender bathroom bans, athlete bans, and restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors.The Department of Justice has not yet commented on the ruling. The case, Kansas v. Dep't of Education, is represented by the Kansas Attorney General's Office.Biden's Title IX Transgender Protections Blocked by Kansas JudgeIn light of a recent Supreme Court ruling narrowing a criminal obstruction law, lawyers for Jan. 6 Capitol rioters are preparing to challenge convictions and seek reduced sentences. The Supreme Court's decision requires prosecutors to prove that defendants destroyed or altered documents to convict them under the obstruction statute, impacting over 200 cases related to the Capitol riot.Attorneys have indicated plans to file motions in the US District Court for the District of Columbia to dismiss charges or seek resentencing for clients who did not handle documents, particularly those linked to the Oath Keepers. This move will significantly affect cases where the obstruction charge was the sole felony. Carmen Hernandez, a criminal defense lawyer, anticipates various creative legal arguments in response to the ruling.The Supreme Court's 6-3 decision on June 28, which favored Capitol rioter Joseph Fischer, has set a new precedent for interpreting the obstruction statute, originally enacted to address evidence destruction post-Enron scandal. This ruling is a setback for federal prosecutors who had heavily relied on the statute to charge participants in the Capitol attack. Elizabeth Franklin-Best, appealing for Oath Keepers' leader Stewart Rhodes, expects the ruling to substantially impact his sentence, as he was also convicted of seditious conspiracy.Several attorneys for other Jan. 6 defendants have indicated intentions to seek relief based on the Fischer ruling. The DC courts will likely face an influx of filings for years. The broader immediate impact is somewhat limited as only 249 out of over 1,400 charged individuals were affected by the statute, with 52 cases having obstruction as the only felony.The Justice Department is still evaluating the ruling's implications, and early signals suggest prosecutors might not concede in all cases. Some defense lawyers are preparing to argue that the initial indictments were flawed under the new interpretation. However, outcomes will likely vary, with hurdles for those who pled guilty before the ruling, and effectiveness depending on individual judges and defendants.The Supreme Court's re-interpretation of the obstruction statute, requiring proof of document destruction or alteration, is critical. This change affects the foundation of many convictions and challenges the prosecutorial approach, necessitating a reassessment of cases and potentially leading to significant legal revisions and reductions in sentences.Jan. 6 Rioters to Request Relief After Supreme Court RulingUS law firms are quickly capitalizing on recent Supreme Court decisions that limit federal agency powers. Within hours of these rulings, firms began sending updates and hosting webinars to explain the implications to their clients. The Supreme Court's decisions, made over three days, restrict agencies' use of internal judges, overturn the Chevron deference principle (which required courts to defer to agency interpretations of ambiguous laws), and revive challenges related to statute limitations, potentially leading to more lawsuits over old regulations.Experts believe these rulings will significantly boost administrative law challenges, particularly benefiting firms that frequently contest federal regulations. Many lawyers have reported a surge in client inquiries, noting that the end of Chevron deference might lead businesses to pursue more litigation due to increased chances of success. The statute of limitations decision is also expected to result in more legal actions, though some attorneys predict a gradual increase rather than an immediate surge in new cases.Some attorneys highlight that the post-Chevron landscape is creating uncertainty and questions among clients across various industries. There is an expectation that while some companies may adopt a more aggressive litigation strategy, others might prefer lobbying to challenge regulations, as many corporate clients are cautious about escalating legal expenses.Overall, the Supreme Court's rulings are reshaping the legal environment, prompting law firms to guide clients through this evolving landscape and capitalize on emerging opportunities.US law firms smell opportunity as Supreme Court guts agency powers | ReutersIn my column, I argue that the IRS's shift to a broader audit mandate for all high-income taxpayers could undermine tax compliance improvements. The IRS needs to reassess and refine its audit strategies to optimize resources and maximize compliance, particularly among the wealthiest individuals. I propose a hybrid audit strategy that ensures nearly 100% audit coverage for the top 1% of income earners, with progressively lower rates for lower high-income brackets. This approach would be more effective than the current broad mandate, which lacks specific metrics for measuring success and could fail to capture significant non-compliance.Previously, the IRS had a directive to audit at least 8% of returns for individuals with incomes over $10 million, which was a focused and measurable effort. The new policy, however, aims for broader scrutiny without clear methods to gauge effectiveness, raising concerns about its impact on audit rates and overall compliance. My suggested hybrid approach would combine the precision of the former directive with a progressive audit threshold system, concentrating IRS resources where they can yield the highest return.Focusing on high-income taxpayers with the greatest potential for avoidance ensures better deterrence of tax evasion. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration's report supports this, showing that audits of high-income individuals are more productive. By defining specific audit coverage thresholds for the highest income brackets, the IRS can optimize its efforts and expand compliance audits down the income brackets.The critical legal element here is the need for targeted and measurable audit strategies. Specific metrics are essential to ensure the IRS's audit efforts are efficient and effective, allowing the agency to allocate resources where they can achieve the greatest impact on revenue and compliance.IRS Hybrid Audit Approach Best Bet to Scrutinize Rich Taxpayers This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
The conversation with Damien Brady, Vice President of Research for the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, focused on the recent report by the Treasury Inspector General for the Tax Administration about the IRS's failure to effectively audit high net worth individuals. The report found that the examinations were unproductive and that the IRS was shifting its focus to individuals with $400,000 or more. The conversation also touched on the need for IRS reform, the impact of tax complexity, and the challenges of balancing the federal budget. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network - new episodes debut every Wednesday & Friday. For more visit JobCreatorsNetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This Day in Legal History: House Un-American Activities Committee Probes HollywoodOn May 29, 1947, the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) began its infamous investigation into communist influence in the Hollywood film industry. This marked the start of a series of public hearings aimed at identifying and eliminating alleged communist subversion in American cultural institutions. The HUAC's probe into Hollywood was driven by the fear that communist ideology was being subtly propagated through films and entertainment, which were seen as powerful tools for shaping public opinion.The investigation led to the subpoena of numerous writers, directors, and actors, many of whom were questioned about their political beliefs and associations. The most notable outcome of these hearings was the creation of the "Hollywood Ten," a group of screenwriters and directors who refused to answer the committee's questions, citing their First Amendment rights. These individuals were subsequently blacklisted by the industry, effectively ending their careers in Hollywood.The HUAC hearings had a chilling effect on the film industry, leading to widespread censorship and self-policing by studios to avoid further scrutiny. This period is often remembered as a dark chapter in American history, reflecting the intense paranoia and political repression of the early Cold War era. The Hollywood blacklist persisted for many years, and its repercussions were felt long after the initial hearings concluded.The HUAC's actions in 1947 set a precedent for future investigations into alleged subversive activities, influencing American political and cultural landscapes for decades. This event underscores the tension between national security concerns and the protection of civil liberties, a balance that continues to be a contentious issue in modern times. The Hollywood probe by HUAC remains a significant example of how fear and suspicion can lead to widespread violation of individual rights and freedoms.PwC has become the first reseller of OpenAI's ChatGPT Enterprise, aimed at business use, marking a significant step in the adoption of AI tools in the corporate world. This agreement will also make PwC the largest user of this AI product. The deal is part of a broader trend among Big Four accounting firms, which are increasingly incorporating AI into their services. PwC had previously announced a $1 billion investment over three years to integrate AI into its operations, enhancing the efficiency of tasks such as auditing and tax accounting.Joe Atkinson, PwC's chief products and technology officer, highlighted that the firm's experience with AI will help them effectively market these tools to clients, offering significant advantages over traditional methods. PwC's substantial deployment of ChatGPT Enterprise will set it apart in the market, as the firm aims to lead clients through their AI adoption journey. As of now, PwC's largest clients are already engaging with generative AI for various functions, including marketing and customer service, utilizing advanced AI capabilities that surpass traditional chatbots. The rest of the Big Four firms—Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and KPMG—are also making substantial investments in AI, forming partnerships with major tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and IBM to enhance their services.PwC First to Resell OpenAI's ChatGPT Enterprise to ClientsYesterday, May 28, 2024, a federal judge in Texas transferred a lawsuit challenging the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) rule on credit card late fees to Washington, D.C. This decision marks the second time U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman has moved the case from his court in Fort Worth, following a federal appeals court's recent decision to relinquish jurisdiction. The CFPB seeks to defend a rule capping credit card late fees at $8, a key component of President Joe Biden's administration's effort to combat "junk fees."The transfer to Washington, D.C. could benefit the CFPB, as it is now in a jurisdiction where the agency is based. This case involves major plaintiffs, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Bankers Association, who are challenging the rule. The CFPB has argued that the rule is necessary, citing that credit card issuers collected over $14 billion in late fees in 2022, with an average fee of $32.Judge Pittman, a Trump appointee, previously blocked the rule from taking effect, basing his decision on a 2022 ruling by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which found the CFPB's funding structure unconstitutional. However, the Supreme Court overturned this ruling on May 16. The CFPB plans to seek the removal of Pittman's injunction, although the plaintiffs have other arguments to prevent the rule from being enforced. The transfer is seen as a strategic move to place the case in a more favorable venue for the CFPB.Texas judge again transfers lawsuit over card late fee rule to Washington, D.C. | ReutersIllinois is on the verge of implementing a progressive tax structure on sports wagering, which could see tax rates as high as 40%. The Illinois General Assembly has passed an amendment to a bill that introduces a graduated tax rate for sports wagering receipts. Businesses with sports wagering receipts between $30 million and $50 million will face a minimum tax rate of 20%, while those with receipts exceeding $200 million will be taxed at the maximum rate of 40%.This progressive tax structure is a pioneering approach in the sports betting industry and could serve as a model for other states considering the legalization and taxation of sports betting. Illinois aims to maximize state revenue from this rapidly growing industry without stifling its competitiveness. The state's approach balances the need for significant tax income with maintaining a healthy market.Illinois's model contrasts with other states like New York, which has a flat 51% tax on gross gaming revenues. Illinois's graduated system introduces a level of progressivity, that is higher rates for entities with higher revenues, potentially influencing other states to adopt similar frameworks. For instance, New Jersey is considering raising its sports betting taxes to a uniform 30%, it remains to be seen if the Garden State may consider an Illinois-style graduated rate system. Revenue from vice taxes, including those on gambling, is crucial for states facing budget deficits. However, it's essential that the revenue generated from such taxes be allocated effectively to offset the social costs associated with these activities. In the case of sports wagering, funds should support public health initiatives, addiction treatment programs, and educational campaigns.Illinois's progressive tax on sports wagering aims to balance industry growth with regulation. If the revenue is used appropriately, Illinois could become a comprehensive model for other states to follow, focusing not only on revenue potential but also on mitigating the larger social impacts of increased sports betting.Illinois Eyeing Sports Wagering Tax Up To 40%In my column this week, I address the urgent need for a proactive approach to combat biofuel tax credit fraud. A recent audit by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration highlighted significant flaws in the administration of these credits, revealing that many are awarded without proper documentation. This system's reactive nature allows fraud to flourish, as the IRS can only issue deficiency notices after fraudulent claims are filed.Biofuel tax credits, intended to promote renewable fuel production and use, have been a cornerstone of U.S. energy policy since 2004. However, the current law's limitations prevent the IRS from denying credits at the time of filing, enabling schemes that exploit information delays. To combat this, the IRS should be given the authority to enforce registration requirements and deny non-compliant claims proactively.Implementing a track-and-trace system could also help by uniquely identifying and tracking each gallon of biofuel through its production and distribution journey. This would create multiple checkpoints, making it challenging for fraudsters to repeatedly claim credits on the same fuel.Past fraud cases, such as the Washakie biodiesel fraud and schemes involving Gen-X Energy Group, illustrate how easy it is to exploit the system. Fraudsters cycle biofuel between refineries and distribution points, claiming new credits each time, or recycle biodiesel back into feedstock to produce more biodiesel for additional credits.The IRS is currently hampered by Section 4101 of the tax code, which allows taxpayers to claim credits without meeting registration requirements. This loophole leaves the IRS to address fraud only after it has occurred, often too late to recover lost funds.A track-and-trace system, used successfully in other industries, could ensure that each gallon of biofuel is tracked from refinement to consumption, making it harder for fraudulent activities to go unnoticed. By assigning unique identifiers and logging each step in a database, this system would create an auditable chain of custody.Addressing these vulnerabilities requires legislative action to empower the IRS to deny fraudulent claims at the point of filing. Strengthening enforcement capabilities and closing existing loopholes will help safeguard the integrity of biofuel tax credits and ensure they serve their intended purpose.To Combat Biofuel Tax Credit Fraud, We Need a Proactive Approach Get full access to Minimum Competence - Daily Legal News Podcast at www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
About ten years ago, news outlets began reporting on an outbreak of “Identity Theft” scams targeting the IRS and our tax returns. In that season the office of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration released a report that “confirmed IRS identity theft cases, and these returns accounted for additional losses estimated to be more than $5.2 billion.” That was for just one year. While the IRS has gotten better at detecting and prosecuting these false tax returns, “Identity Theft” continues to be a growing problem. In April, AARP reported that, “American adults lost a total of $43 billion to identity fraud in 2023”. As disconcerting as those facts are, there is another, even more sinister kind of “Identity Theft” that has been happening for over two-thousand years. It is Satan's robbing followers of JESUS of the riches that come with our true “Identity in Christ”. JESUS warned His followers about this and promised to send the HOLY SPIRIT to “guide us into all truth” regarding Satan's destructive plans. In this meassage, Pastor Joe Still teaches how to live under the HOLY SPIRIT's Identity Theft Protection Plan.
Joining Pam and Rich for this discussion are Professor Daniel Ho and RegLab Fellow Christie Lawrence, JD '24 (MPP, Harvard Kennedy School of Government).Dan is the founding director of Stanford's RegLab (Regulation, Evaluation, and Governance Lab), which builds high-impact partnerships for data science and responsible AI in the public sector. The RegLab has an extensive track record partnering with government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency, Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of Labor, and Santa Clara County on prototyping and evaluating AI tools to make government more fair, efficient, and transparent. Building on this work, the RegLab also helps agencies strengthen AI governance and operationalize trustworthy AI principles.Christie, a third-year JD student, worked with RegLab and Stanford's Innovation Clinic on projects to advise DOL on responsible AI and development practices and to support the work with Prof. Ho on the National AI Advisory Committee, which advises the White House on AI policy. In this interview, we'll learn about several RegLab projects—and the importance of helping government develop smart AI policy and solutions.Connect:Episode Transcripts >>> Stanford Legal Podcast WebsiteStanford Legal Podcast >>> LinkedIn PageRich Ford >>> Twitter/XPam Karlan >>> Stanford Law School PageStanford Law School >>> Twitter/XStanford Law Magazine >>> Twitter/XLinks:Dan Ho >>> Stanford Law School web page[00:00:00] Chapter 1: Setting the StageMention of the rapid acceleration of technology and the release of ChatGPT.Highlighting the risks associated with AI, such as bias and privacy concerns.Discussion on the relationship between AI and governance, including recent developments in AI policy and governance.Mention of the Biden administration's executive order on AI and its implications.[00:03:04] Chapter 2: The Role of Reg Lab and Collaboration with the IRSExplanation of the Reg Lab and its purpose.Discussion on the need for government agencies to modernize their technology infrastructure.Overview of the collaboration with the IRS to improve tax evasion detection using machine learning.Discovery of disparities in auditing rates and subsequent IRS reforms.Highlighting the intersection of AI, social justice, and government practices.[00:09:12] Chapter 3: Student PerspectiveChristie Lawrence shares her experience working on AI policy at Stanford Law School.Discussion on bridging the gap between policy, law, and technology.Impactful work done by students in collaboration with government agencies.[00:11:38] Chapter 4: AI and Social JusticePam Karlan's experience with AI issues in the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division.Examples of algorithmic discrimination and its implications for social justice.Discussion on the challenges of addressing AI-related issues in government practices.[00:23:55] Chapter 5: Future DirectionsOptimism about the future of AI governance and the recent executive order's impact.Anticipation of legislative proposals and state-level initiatives in AI regulation.Importance of maintaining an open innovation ecosystem and addressing talent gaps in government agencies.[00:25:55] Chapter 6: Audience Questions
(4/25/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Assistant U.S. attorneys at DOJ are calling for more flexibility and consistency in their telework options. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration helped stop a $3.5 billion fraud scheme targeting pandemic relief funds. And GSA will release a new buying guide this week to help agencies purchase generative AI capabilities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
(4/25/24) - In today's Federal Newscast: Assistant U.S. attorneys at DOJ are calling for more flexibility and consistency in their telework options. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration helped stop a $3.5 billion fraud scheme targeting pandemic relief funds. And GSA will release a new buying guide this week to help agencies purchase generative AI capabilities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, has delivered the Spring Budget 2024. In a rowdy House of Commons, the Chancellor delivered what will be his last Spring Budget before a UK general election widely expected to take place in autumn this year. Further details on some of these measures are expected to follow on Tax Administration and Maintenance Day 2024 – confirmed as taking place on 18 April – but there were plenty of interesting points (and politics) in the tax policies included in this wave of announcements. In our latest podcast Jill Gatehouse, Emily Szasz, Josh Critchlow and David Haughey from our London tax team discuss some of the tax measures they found the most noteworthy in the Spring Budget 2024, including: Replacing the current tax rules for non-UK domiciled individuals (so-called ‘non doms') with a new residence-based regime; Changes to the transfer of assets abroad rules following the Supreme Court decision in Fisher to ensure this anti-avoidance regime cannot be bypassed by individuals transferring assets offshore via a UK company; The introduction of Reserved Investor Funds (RIFs), a new type of UK investment fund in the form of an unauthorised contractual scheme; and Other changes to the UK's tax code, including: Further reductions to NICs, benefitting both employed and self-employed workers; On stamp duty/SDRT, new guidance on recently-enacted legislation restricting the application of the higher rate charge on the issue and certain transfers of UK shares and securities into clearance services or depositary receipt systems – but nothing further on the Stamp Taxes on Shares Modernisation proposal; Delaying the sunsetting of the Energy Profits Levy, so that it will end in 2029 (or earlier if energy prices fall below levels set by the previously-announced Energy Security Investment Mechanism); Establishing a new R&D tax relief expert panel tasked with ensuring relevant HMRC guidance remains up-to-date as industry develops; and Consulting on the introduction a new UK ISA, giving individuals a £5,000 annual allowance to invest in certain UK-focussed assets on a tax-free basis.
The proposed Tax Administration Laws Amendment Bill and its enforcement is the focus in this edition of the Business Day Spotlight. Our host Mudiwa Gavaza is joined by Ettienne Retief, chairman of the SA Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA)'s national tax and SARS committee. Topics of discussion include: proposals in the new bill; history of SA's grey listing; and ways in which government could work to enforce the laws; Business Day Spotlight is a TimesLIVE Production
Episode 200! Thanks to all the listeners here to celebrate this milestone. In this episode we're talking about the coming tax season (never too early right?). A lot of tax headlines to discuss this episode:IRS announces that this coming filing season, taxpayers may be able to file most documents and returns electronically and by 2025 the IRS will digitize all paper file returns when they are receivedIRS might push for an early end to the employee retention tax credit as the number of "legitimate claims" declinesTreasury Inspector General for Tax Administration says that while the IRS has done a good job of addressing cyberthreats, it needs to do a better job with documentation New tech being built called IVIX, the first AI powered platform to help governments address financial crimes and tax evasionTax prep companies like H&R Block and TaxSlayer have for years been sharing Americans sensitive financial data with tech giants like Meta and Google in a potential of violation of federal lawI speak with Steven Lyon, Senior Manager, Product Specialists with SafeSend to discuss all these updates and how to meet challenges as practitioners. ResourcesSteven Lyon LinkedIn ProfileAP News article, "IRS aims to go paperless by 2025 as part of its campaign to conquer mountains of paperwork", by Fatima Hussein Accounting Today article, "IRS good at addressing cyberthreats, but not documenting them" by Chris GaetanoIVIX websiteCNN article, "Tax prep companies shared private taxpayer data with Google and Meta for years, congressional probe finds", by Brian Fung
An IRS watchdog is calling on the agency to make better use of pay incentives already available to stay on track with plans to build up its workforce.The IRS has more than a dozen pay incentives available to recruit and retain employees with skills that are essential to its operations.But the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, in a recent report, found the IRS only used these pay incentives to recruit, retain or relocate about 1,400 employees between fiscal 2019 and 2022.The agency, during this period, made a total payout of $1.5 million through these incentives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
An IRS watchdog is calling on the agency to make better use of pay incentives already available to stay on track with plans to build up its workforce. The IRS has more than a dozen pay incentives available to recruit and retain employees with skills that are essential to its operations. But the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, in a recent report, found the IRS only used these pay incentives to recruit, retain or relocate about 1,400 employees between fiscal 2019 and 2022. The agency, during this period, made a total payout of $1.5 million through these incentives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
While the politicians debate how much money it should have, the IRS cranked dutifully away this past tax filing season. The agency says it operated on schedule for the first time since 2020, the advent of the pandemic. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration tracked the season closely. With what it found, the deputy IG for audit, Diana Tengesdal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
While the politicians debate how much money it should have, the IRS cranked dutifully away this past tax filing season. The agency says it operated on schedule for the first time since 2020, the advent of the pandemic. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration tracked the season closely. With what it found, the deputy IG for audit, Diana Tengesdal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's tax season and we want you to avoid being a victim of tax fraud. As we record this episode, we are a week away from tax day. However the information in this episode is good year round. So if you hear it in a best of episode, it still applies. Since 2018, more than 75,000 victims have lost $28 million to scammers impersonating the IRS over the phone, email, texts and more. That's what the FTC says (the Federal Trade Commission) which enforces consumer protection laws, including those against fraud. The true number is certainly higher because of victims who don't make reports. What the IRS won't do 1)The IRS won't call you. 2)The IRS won't text you. 3) The IRS won't email you. 4)The IRS won't call and threaten that the police are going to arrest you. 5) The IRS won't call and ask for an immediate payment on a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. 6) The IRS won't threaten to suspend your license. The IRS can't suspend your license. 7) The IRS won't say your account is on hold. 8)The IRS won't text with a message “Unusual Activity Report” with a link to click. 9) The IRS won't threaten deportation. Why? The IRS cannot revoke immigration status. 10)The IRS won't threaten to suspend your Social Security Number. They can't do that. 11)The IRS won't email you and say “We recalculated your tax return and you need to click this link to claim the higher refund.” Why? The IRS doesn't email. 12)The IRS will not email you, text you or call you saying 'This is the Bureau of Tax Enforcement, and we're putting a lien or levy on your assets'. Why? The IRS doesn't email , text or in general call.There is no Bureau of Tax Enforcement. 13) The IRS won't email or text you 'Click here to see some details about your tax refund'. Why? The IRS doesn't email or text. These emails or texts are intended to trick the reader into clicking on links that lead to a fake IRS-like website and expose the user to malware. The IRS does not use email, text messages or social media to discuss tax debts or refunds with taxpayers. How do I know this? I'm quoting the IRS website. What you should know about these calls 1)Caller ID can be faked. Just because your Caller ID says IRS, it doesn't mean it's the IRS. 2)Ask anyone claiming to be the IRS for their name, badge number and callback number. 3)You can verify if someone is real by calling the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484. Link to report a scam here. .https://www.tigta.gov/reportcrime-misconduct How the IRS will contact you if they need to contact you 1)They will send a letter. 2)They will send another letter. 3) If several letters go unanswered, they might call or they could come to your house.4) BUT THE IRS WILL ONLY COME TO YOUR HOUSE AFTER THEY HAVE CALLED FIRST TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT AND THEY WILL ONLY CALL AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BY MAIL. Let's say you owe unpaid taxes 1)You can appeal if you think the IRS is wrong. 2)If you do owe money, you can work out a payment plan. IRS at 800-829-1040. IRS Dirty Dozen List https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-wraps-up-2023-dirty-dozen-list-reminds-taxpayers-and-tax-pros-to-be-wary-of-scams-and-schemes-even-after-tax-season Great article at Nerd Wallet https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/taxes/avoid-irs-scams#:~:text=IRS%20scams%20involve%20criminals%20impersonating,you%20don't%20actually%20owe. Episode 508 of Dads Daughters and Dollars (Don't Be Scared of the IRS, My Story) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-508-dont-be-scared-of-the-irs-my-story/id1523622122?i=1000576371700
The IRS has been making progress toward eliminating a longstanding problem. Namely, companies who are delinquent in their federal taxes, but that nevertheless receive federal contracts. For the most recent figures, Federal Drive host Tom Temin talked with LaToya George, the director of the Office of Audits at the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
"For my friends, everything; for my enemies, the law" is what the latest report from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration shows. Basically, you can be delinquent on taxes and still get government money if you're the right type - or else you get a dorky new hire IRS agent kicking down your door. Plus, the Supreme Court refuses to hear a challenge to the ATF bump stock ban - what dangerous precedent that sets. Finally, a noted historian explains the ancient hatred underlying the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
We've all heard the horror stories about the mess at the IRS. We've heard how many of their printers and copiers don't work because they're out of ink. We've heard about how old and unreliable their computer system is, and we've heard how multiplied thousands of refunds have been delayed as the agency deals with a massive backlog of unprocessed returns.What we didn't know until just recently is that one of the ways the IRS chose to deal with that backlog was simply to throw away thirty million unprocessed paper returns. In this edition of FAIRtax Power Radio, the Guys look at a report from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration that details yet another reason why we need to put the IRS out of business by replacing the income tax with the FAIRtax.
Today I'm talking to Special Agent David Renfro, a federal agent for the Treasury Department. David's diverse career took him from being a Federal Air Marshal right after 9/11 to working on joint terrorism task forces and eventually as an investigator with the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, a job he calls the best kept secret in Federal law enforcement. All along the way he had opportunities to do a wide variety of training at FLETC in Glynco, Georgia, a federal training center he recently returned to as a staff member and program manager.This episode gives you a lot of wisdom from David as he talks about the twists and turns of his career. He explains how he decided to make each move and how to prepare for the next step in his career. And hang on to the end where David comments on how he timed his latest career move based on his family dynamics.Resources: Man Alive, by Patrick MorelyMusic is by Chris Haugen from the YouTube Audio Library and the KCKPD Pipes and Drums.Hey Chaplain Podcast Episode 016
Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) continues to transform its operations to better serve the public, both in Jamaica and diaspora communities.Its online offerings are vastly improved and public satisfaction has been high, said Courtney Johnson, the taxpayer education officer at the TAJ. “Over 75 per cent of our customers found that using the online platform is convenient, it is safe…,” he said.Johnson said the TAJ continues to work to ensure it provides the best service possible to all customers. He notes too that the TAJ is already number one in the Caribbean; and the vision is to become a world-class organisation.In an interview with Impacting Jamaica host Byron Buckley, the TAJ taxpayer education officer spoke about various improved offerings and others to come on stream soon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Across the country, cities are facing severe budget shortfalls because of COVID-19 and its consequences. In this landscape, city and county governments are struggling to consistently do more with less. As local governments are looking for new ways to balance their budget and streamline their services, they should look to this innovative solution: automated revenue management. In this episode, I talk with Christy Cato, Vice President of Tax Administration at Avenu Insights & Analytics, about how automation can benefit local governments. What we discussed: How automated revenue management works. How automation can generate new revenue and keep employees on staff. How governments can implement automation for more efficient workflows. What processes you should avoid automating. This discussion with Christy Cato was taken from our show Local Government Insights. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here.
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