Washington, D.C.--The following is a statement from Rep. Eliot Engel regarding the plan to cut funding to the National Taxpayer Advocate program.

“I am deeply troubled to see a plan put forward to cut the Taxpayer Advocate office– a program which is essential for helping people deal with tax problems and a necessary watchdog to the Internal Revenue Service. If anything, we should be strengthening the Taxpayer Advocate.

“My staff works closely with the Taxpayer Advocate on an almost daily basis, helping the people of Rockland, Westchester and Bronx Counties deal with our very complex and confusing tax code. Without this service, taxpayers will suffer.

“The White House recently detailed its Fiscal 2010 Budget, which includes a $23 million cut for the National Taxpayer Advocate. There were attempts made in 2005 to close 68 Taxpayer Advocate Assistance Centers, including the one in West Nyack, across the street from my Rockland office. I fought that plan and led the effort to add more funding to the Appropriations bill which led to the IRS scuttling plans to close the facility.

“I am hopeful we will not have to fight that battle all over again. But if the President’s proposed cuts go forward, I will once again lead the fight to block these cuts. Rockland needs its Taxpayer Advocate, and I certainly don’t want to risk losing it or other Assistance Centers in my district or nationwide as a result. This office is too important to taxpayers.”