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(Washington, D.C.) - Today, U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney (R-Oviedo) testified before the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight about widespread tax fraud being committed by prison inmates.
"Today, we are here to discuss an epidemic of tax fraud that plagues our nation and our prison system. Inmates all over the country are filing false tax returns, and collecting real refunds," testified Feeney.
Today's hearing was the latest development in a congressional investigation launched by Feeney and Rep. Ric Keller (R-Orlando). The Central Florida lawmakers began looking into the matter after media reports uncovered a tax fraud scheme involving Florida prison inmates.
"Today's hearing was an important step forward in the effort to crack down on this criminal activity. The American people should not have to worry about criminals continuing to commit crimes while they are behind bars," said Feeney.
Since Feeney and Keller began investigation the matter the IRS has reported that more than 15% of all fraudulent refund returns detected in filing year 2004 were generated by prison inmates. Feeney and Keller were joined by U.S. Rep. Jim Davis (D-Tampa) who has also been investigating the matter. Other witnesses included representatives from the IRS the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, state prison officials from Texas and South Carolina and a prison inmate who committed $3.5 million in tax fraud over a ten year period. |
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