In Case You Missed It: Capito, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Dismantle Unlawful IRS Direct File Program

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Recently, U.S. SenatorShelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joined a group of 10 Senate Republican colleagues—led by U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.)—to introduce theFostering Autonomy in Independent Returns by Prohibiting Redundant and Extralegal Programs(FAIR PREP)Act.
This legislation would terminate the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) unauthorized “Direct File” tax filing program. By further barring the agency from unlawfully preparing taxpayer returns without Congressional approval, the bill would establish crucial safeguards to prevent future attempts to sidestep Congress.
“Unfortunately, this program was a solution for a problem that doesn’t exist in a universe where free filing options are already available for millions of Americans. The IRS was not authorized to create this program, and the funds being used to prop it up should be redirected toward improvements for existing issues within the agency. By passing theFAIR PREP Act, we can reassert Congressional authority, demand accountability and oversight, and restore institutional integrity for the taxpayers of our nation,”Senator Capito said.
BACKGROUND:
WHAT THEFAIR PREP ACTDOES:
Section 6020 of the Internal Revenue Code provides authority for the IRS to “prepare” or “execute” tax returns in limited, defined circumstances. This legislation would:
Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Reps. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.)
Full text of the bill can be foundhere.
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Tags:Economy