McMorris, Hastings to IRS: Put Taxpayer Privacy First
March 31, 2006The Honorable Mark W. Everson
Commissioner
Internal Revenue Service
1111 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20224Dear Commissioner Everson:We are writing to share our concerns with a proposed rule that would expand the number of third parties allowed access to taxpayer information. We urge you to carefully review and consider this provision and make taxpayer privacy a priority as you develop a final regulation that increases taxpayer privacy.Privacy concerns continue to rise and consumers are finding it increasingly difficult and cumbersome to keep their personal information safe. We understand the need to tighten IRS privacy standards and appreciate your efforts to provide customers a warning and limit the time period for which consent is valid. However, not including the “affiliated group” limitation that is currently in place will allow for wider sharing of personal information and will further fuel taxpayer privacy concerns.We recognize the need for taxpayers to enlist the help of tax preparers because of our complicated tax code. It is our hope that in the near future our complicated tax code will be simplified to allow taxpayers to prepare and submit their own tax returns. Until that day is here, we urge to reexamine the proposed rule and make necessary changes to ensure taxpayer privacy.We appreciate your consideration of this request.Sincerely,Cathy McMorris
Member of CongressDoc Hastings
Member of Congress