Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) said on this week’s “Fox Sunday News” broadcast that taxpayers shouldn’t worry about Democrats’ bills to increase IRS enforcement.
Some transcripts are as follows:
Moderator MIKE EMANUEL: The bill also includes $80 billion to strengthen IRS enforcement. This is Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell.
(start video clip)
Sen. MITCH MCCONNELL (R-KY): American families don’t want tens of thousands of IRS agents. They prefer Border Patrol and ICE agents.
(end video clip)
Emanuel: I know you’re trying to improve this very unpopular institution, but, senator, the rich have accountants and powerful lawyers.
Are you concerned that increased enforcement will ultimately only hurt middle- and working-class Americans?
Cardin: You are right. I have worked with Republicans and Democrats to try to modernize the IRS.
Most Americans pay taxes. Most Americans have their taxes deducted from their payroll, and it’s never been a problem for them to pay their fair share.
But for those with complex incomes, those with high incomes, they are the ones who are running away. It is estimated that we lose $1 trillion in tax revenue each year. I think most Americans want a level playing field. They want to pay taxes, but they want everyone else to pay taxes. So I think it’s a fair situation. The IRS desperately needs help, and this bill gives them the help they need.
EMANUEL: Let me follow up. Can you understand how 87,000 new IRS agents would scare away millions of Americans?
Cardin: Well, other than getting better service from the IRS, getting calls answered, getting the questions they need to comply with our tax laws, millions of Americans won’t be affected. Audits will focus on high earners, large companies, etc. So, there is no reason to be afraid. If you paid your taxes and complied with our laws, you should make sure everyone else does the same.
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