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Dear John,
Republicans in Congress are itching to let the ultra-wealthy off the hook.
Unable to wait until next year, they are pushing now to slash over $20 billion from IRS enforcement funding before the December 20 deadline. They’re looking for a head start in their efforts to cripple the agency’s ability to support working- and middle-class families and hold wealthy tax cheats accountable.
The $20.2 billion cut passed in March is set to take effect again automatically unless Congress intervenes. This cut would wipe out over 90% of the enforcement funding designed to combat tax evasion by the ultra-rich over the next ten years. Without these resources, the IRS will lose its high-end enforcement capabilities entirely.
To make matters worse, House Republicans are also pushing for deeper cuts to the IRS’ annual budget next year -- all while preparing to deliver huge new tax breaks benefiting the wealthiest Americans. We must stand firm now against this reckless fiscal agenda.
Take action: Demand Congress protect the IRS. Don’t let the ultra-wealthy off the hook. Oppose these harmful funding cuts in the year-end spending bill.
For decades, an underfunded IRS allowed the wealthiest individuals and massive corporations to dodge taxes, leaving ordinary Americans to pick up the tab. Funding increases under the Democratic administration had begun to turn the tide, enabling the IRS to recover $1.3 billion in unpaid taxes from high-income tax cheats.
Customer service also saw dramatic improvements: phone wait times dropped from 28 minutes to just 3, with the agency answering 65% more calls. Meanwhile, the new Direct File program has saved 15,000 taxpayers a collective $5.6 million in preparation fees.
But now, Republicans seek to undo this progress. Slashing enforcement in order to protect the wealthiest, these cuts will worsen chronic budget shortages and balloon the deficit even further, while leaving essential programs like Social Security and Medicare perpetually under the axe. We can either demand a more fair tax system, or watch as the rich continue to rig the rules in their favor.
Tell Congress: Oppose any cuts to IRS funding. Stand up for a system where everyone pays their fair share.
Thank you for fighting for fairness and equity in our tax system, to serve the greater good.
Robert Reich
Inequality Media Civic Action
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