Today, APT filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), and other related agencies regarding a recent leak of personal tax information. This week, ProPublica reported that it “obtained a vast trove of Internal Revenue Service data on the tax returns of thousands of the nation’s wealthiest people, covering more than 15 years.” Based on their analysis of the data received, ProPublica uses the data to argue for higher tax rates for certain income brackets. Why is this significant? First, federal tax returns are confidential, and any release by a federal agency would be a violation of criminal law. Second, the timing of the release of these documents and subsequent report raises questions. As the Biden administration is looking to enact a major tax hike, this report bolsters the administration proposal. APT’s request with the IRS, and related agencies, serves to provide oversight to ensure that an agency tasked with protecting personal and financially-sensitive information is not the source of the leaked documents for political purposes. As the IRS has previously been the source of politically targeted activities, it is imperative that the public have answers to these important questions.
About Americans for Public Trust
APT is an independent, nonpartisan watchdog organization committed to restoring the people’s trust in our public institutions by holding politicians and political groups accountable. We use in-depth investigations and bold legal action to ensure those who disregard the rule of law are held responsible. By raising awareness of this work, we help to rebuild public faith in our elected leaders.
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