Today, Grassley issued the following comment on the importance of overhauling the federal tax collecting agency.
"It's good news for hard-working taxpayers that IRS reform, started two years ago by the national commission, will soon become reality. The process has resulted in a very strong, comprehensive reform proposal. The end product must be fair treatment and quality service for taxpayers and accountability for the IRS.
"Oversight hearings in the Senate underscored the need for dramatic reform. They revealed an IRS out-of-control and without accountability. This reform will help put a stop to IRS agents who abuse taxpayers' rights. The message is: you'll no longer get away with it. The IRS reform bill should end the culture of intimidation at the IRS.
"The legislation also will restructure the IRS into a more customer- friendly organization. It will hold the agency to the same high standards it demands from taxpayers every year on April 15. That is accurate, courtesy and timely information.
"The IRS has used secrecy and intimidation to hide its abuses. That's why it is critical that Congress commit to sustained and aggressive oversight of the IRS in the future. Last week proved that when Congressional oversight breaks down, accountability disappears."