(Dmytro “Henry” Aleksandrov, Headline USA) An IRS agent showed up at the door of a woman who lives in Marion County, Ohio, lied about his reason for being there and, after entering the house, said that he has the right to be anywhere he wants simply because he works for the IRS.
A congressional report that was released on Friday indicated that the agent who called himself Bill Haus began harassing and intimidating the taxpayer once he got inside the house, according to the Daily Signal.
A lawyer, whom the woman called, told the agent to leave the home since the taxpayer had gotten no prior notice of unpaid taxes.
“I am an IRS agent. I can be at and go into anyone’s house at any time I want to be,” the agent responded.
The IRS discontinued its policy of unannounced home visits in July 2023 when the agency was pressured by Congress.
“After the taxpayer called the police, the revenue officer even filed a complaint against the police department. The IRS later confirmed that the taxpayer owed nothing and acknowledged the situation ‘never should have gotten this far,’” the report said.
In August 2022, Congress which was under the control of Democrats voted to boost IRS funding by $80 billion over 10 years, which prompted Republicans in Congress to demand more oversight of the agency.
“This shocking abuse of power is a startling indication that the IRS believes it may do what it wants when it wants,” the report said.
On July 24, 2023, IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel issued a public statement about the policy change regarding home visits.
“We are taking a fresh look at how the IRS operates to better serve taxpayers and the nation, and making this change is a common-sense step. Changing this long-standing procedure will increase confidence in our tax administration work and improve overall safety for taxpayers and IRS employees,” he said.
