Seventeen Senators Back IRS Union's Opposition To Private Tax Collectors

http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7009870939

January 29, 2008 8:38 p.m. EST

Windsor Genova - AHN News Writer

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - Seventeen senators on Tuesday expressed support to an Internal Revenue Service union's call for the agency to end the use of private tax collectors.

Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and 16 colleagues sent a letter to Senate Finance Committee chairman Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) urging him to "examine thoroughly" the views of IRS commissioner-nominee Douglas H. Shulman on the highly-controversial agency program using private debt collectors to pursue tax debts.

The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) quoted Dorgan as saying in the letter, "While we understand and commend efforts to ensure that all taxpayers pay their fair share of taxes, we believe tax collection is an inherently governmental function that should only be performed by trained and proficient IRS employees."

In his letter to Baucus, Dorgan reiterated his support for Senate Bill 335, which he and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) introduced. The bill provides for an end to the IRS's use of private tax collectors.

Dorgan cited a report by IRS's own National Taxpayer Advocate that says the program is failing.

In her report, Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson said the program's first-year revenue to the Treasury was significantly less than projected, resulting in a loss of some $50 million when start-up and program maintenance costs are included.

Meanwhile, the NTEU lauded the senator's support of their ongoing fight against what it calls an ill-conceived and costly program. The union said the program also threatens taxpayer privacy by turning their personal and sensitive tax information over to the industry that, year after year, generates the most consumer complaints to the Federal Trade Commission.

NTEU is the largest independent federal union, representing 150,000 employees in 31 agencies and departments.

Cost US 50 mil, oh i see this is working...same old Bush-ie crap....And let me Guess? call center in India

Say we all mial this to - are Repugs...Friend's

Even Air America is awash in ads from these tax farming outfits.

"Do you owe the government back taxes? Call us and we'll help you!"