House Health Care Bill 'Dangerously Expands IRS's Power'
Paul L. Caron
House Republicans said Thursday that the health care overhaul will expand IRS authority by giving agents the power to verify acceptable health care coverage and fine or confiscate the tax refunds of Americans without coverage.
Republican members of the House Ways and Means Committee, a panel that oversees taxes and health issues, also charged that IRS audits will likely increase if health care legislation is passed. They added the IRS will require up to $10 billion to administer the new program. They also claimed the IRS may need to hire 16,500 additional employees.
"This dangerously expands IRS authority," said Representative David Camp, (R., Mich.), the ranking Republican on the Committee on Ways and Means. "Most Americans will find it shocking and troubling."
- The Hill, GOP Targets IRS in Latest Health Battle
- The Hill, Republicans Assail IRS Provision in Health Care Bill
Prior TaxProf Blog coverage:
- IRS: The New Health Care Enforcer (Aug. 17, 2009)
- Does IRS Enforcement Make Health Care Mandate a 'Tax'? (Sept. 30, 2009)
- IRS to Play Starring Role in Health Care Overhaul (Oct. 6, 2009)
- taxprof.typepad.com/taxprof_blog/2010/03/house-health.html
March 19, 2010