U.S. Congressman José E. Serrano ~ Representing the people of the 16th District of New York
2/24/2010
Serrano Chairs IRS Hearing
Today, Congressman Serrano chaired a hearing on the IRS's FY2011 budget, which featured IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman testifying about his agency's budget. The hearing was the first of the year for Serrano's committee, which each year holds a series of hearings on the budgets of the agencies under its jurisdiction.
Serrano commended the IRS for their efforts to stop offshore tax evasion, and for their new initiative to increase IRS regulation over paid tax preparers by requiring paid tax preparer registration, testing and continuing education requirements. “Most paid IRS preparers are ethical and helpful,” said Serrano. “However, we still hear reports of too many cases in communities like the Bronx where scam artists bilk taxpayers out of their money, or do not provide them with full and honest tax advice. This new initiative will help protect taxpayers and increase compliance.”
However, Serrano did express concern about proposed cuts to two programs that provide essential tax assistance to low- and moderate-income taxpayers: the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) grant program, and the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) program. Serrano promised to work to ensure that these programs remain well funded.
Serrano also extended his condolences for the death of IRS employee Vernon Hunter, who was killed in last week’s suicidal airplane attack in Austin, as well as his well wishes to those injured in the attack. Serrano pledged to help support all IRS employees during this difficult time.
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Serrano talking with Shulman after the Hearing |