Senate Democrats Investigate Trump’s IRS Commissioner Nominee Billy Long
Senate Democrats Initiate Investigation
Democratic senators are taking a closer look at the nomination of former Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.) to lead the IRS, amid troubling reports regarding the employee retention tax credit (ERTC). The investigation primarily revolves around issues of fraud linked to the ERTC, which the IRS has labeled as creating a gold rush for opportunistic promoters.
Questions Regarding ERTC Promotion
Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), alongside Sen. Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), has reached out to various tax advisory firms that allegedly compensated Long for ERTC refunds he brokered. They are demanding detailed answers by January 2 regarding their promotional activities related to the ERTC and Long’s specific contributions.
- Concerns: Long suggested that clients should turn back to him for assistance on ERTC claims when CPAs were hesitant to sign.
- IRS Reaction: IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel has expressed alarm over the rampant promotion of the ERTC, which has adversely impacted the agency's operations.
- Bipartisan Tension: This probe sheds light on the growing divide among lawmakers concerning IRS authority and budgeting.
Bipartisan Implications and Future of IRS Leadership
As the investigation unfolds, the implications for Long's nomination and the future direction of the IRS become increasingly crucial. Historical norms allow IRS commissioners to operate across party lines, leading to potential conflicts as the Biden administration's efforts to bolster IRS funding face staunch opposition.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.