The Iowa senator -- who has worked aggressively during the last 18 months to study structural problems at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), advocate appointment of a Commissioner experienced in managing a major organization, expose abuse and mistreatment of well-intending taxpayers by the agency, and develop a legislative proposal to reform the IRS -- made his remarks during a meeting of the federal taxation committee of the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). The meeting was held at the Sheraton Hotel at 11040 Hickman Road.
Specifically, Grassley said that the IRS has scheduled an open-to-the-public session on January 12, in Des Moines to make available hands-on, knowledgeable and helpful service for taxpayers from IRS employees. Service will be provided between 12 noon and 8:00 p.m., at the Federal Building, 210 Walnut Street. To make an appointment for assistance in advance, Iowa taxpayers may call toll-free 1-800-829-1040. At Grassley's invitation, Commissioner Charles O. Rossotti will attend this taxpayer problem solving day.
"I appreciate the efforts of the IRS Commissioner to send a signal that he understands the serious nature of the systemic institutional problems of the agency revealed to the nation earlier this fall. We must all work to put quality ?service' back in the Internal Revenue Service," Grassley said. Beginning last January, when the former IRS Commissioner announced her departure, Grassley waged a campaign to ensure the President selected the type of leader needed to bring about a new kind of IRS. Grassley sought a highly-skilled business manager, rather than the traditional tax lawyer or accountant. Grassley's effort succeeded last summer, when the White House tapped Rossotti, who comes from an executive management and high-tech business background.
In July, Grassley and Kerrey introduced The IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1997. The House of Representatives passed companion legislation to their proposal following hearings in September of the Senate Finance Committee which pierced the veil of secrecy and exposed systemic cultural problems at the IRS. Grassley said the Senate failed to take action on the bill. Looking ahead, he said he is working for prompt consideration in 1998 of pro-taxpayer reform that would:
Grassley said it took the high-profile hearings last September to focus Congress and convince President Clinton of the need for dramatic IRS reform. In fact, lawmakers and the administration had fought tirelessly against the comprehensive IRS reform bill Grassley introduced with Sen. Bob Kerrey of Nebraska until public opinion was expressed loud and clear.
"The grassroots stood up to the Washington insiders and prevailed. That's why I'm asking the professional tax community and every taxpayer in Iowa to help keep up the pressure for constructive and very necessary reform of the IRS," Grassley said. "We must ensure that the vast majority of taxpayers who voluntarily pay their taxes are treated fairly. The IRS should work for taxpayers, not against them."
Grassley has for many years worked to expand taxpayer rights. In 1988, Grassley co-authored the first-ever Taxpayer Bill of Rights. He also won approval in 1996 for the sequel, known as T2, or the Taxpayer Bill of Rights II. Today, Grassley serves as a senior member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee and on the IRS oversight subcommittee. He was an active participant in the year-long 17-member National Commission on Restructuring the IRS, which completed its work this summer. The Commission conducted 15 public hearings, interviewed over 500 current and former IRS employees, gathered input from hundreds of taxpayers, and consulted with leading tax practitioners across the country. One field hearing of the Commission was held in Des Moines.
"The IRS holds tremendous power over every American. No other federal government agency is so intimidating to so many citizens. My goal is to better ensure accountability and integrity at the agency. That means holding the IRS to the same high standards it demands of taxpayers," Grassley said. "The Kerrey/Grassley bill would help turn the IRS rightside-up. Furthermore, I've sought a sustained commitment from Congress to rock the boat and exercise vigorous oversight of this powerful agency."