IRS intensifies efforts against affluent tax evaders by sending out over 125,000 compliance letters this week to high-income taxpayers who have failed to file returns since 2017. The cases collectively involve hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid taxes, with over 25,000 letters directed towards delinquent taxpayers earning more than $1 million.
Danny Werfel, the IRS commissioner, emphasized the importance of taxpayers fulfilling their civic duty of filing tax returns, particularly during a time when many hard-working individuals are diligently paying their taxes. He stated that the IRS is taking decisive action to address non-compliance, including instances of tax evasion.
This initiative is part of a broader federal campaign to increase tax audits of wealthy Americans and businesses, supported by significant funding from Congress. President Joe Biden allocated nearly $80 billion in new IRS funds to enhance tax collection from the affluent and improve the agency’s overall operations and technology.
Despite objections from some Congressional Republicans, who argue that the funds might be misused to target ordinary taxpayers and small business owners, the IRS has assured that audit rates will not rise for taxpayers earning less than $400,000 annually.
David Kass, executive director of Americans for Tax Fairness, commended the IRS’s enforcement efforts, highlighting the importance of holding wealthy individuals accountable for their tax obligations.
The IRS’s latest initiative targets cases where third-party information, such as W-2 or 1099 forms, indicates significant income received by taxpayers who failed to file returns. Compliance letters, formally known as CP59 Notices, will be sent out starting this week, with a focus on filers in the highest income brackets.
These notices serve as compliance alerts, urging non-filers to either file immediately or provide an explanation for not doing so. Some taxpayers may receive multiple letters, indicating several years of missing returns.
The 125,000 cases identified by the IRS represent more than $100 billion in financial activity, with potentially hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid taxes. Ironically, some non-filers may be eligible for refunds.
Taxpayers who receive compliance letters are advised to take prompt action to avoid steeper penalties and stronger enforcement measures. The IRS emphasizes the importance of addressing these notices promptly.
In addition to the compliance letters, the IRS has implemented other measures to target alleged tax evasion. Earlier this month, the agency announced plans to audit private jets to investigate their usage and related tax deductions.
Overall, the IRS’s intensified efforts underscore its commitment to ensuring tax compliance among high-income individuals and businesses, promoting fairness and equity in the tax system.