(Washington, D.C.) – Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) President Thomas A. Schatz issued this statement today in reaction to President Clinton’s signing of the

“The two rounds of IRS oversight hearings conducted last fall and this spring by the Senate Finance Committee highlighted the incredible arrogance and abuse of power at the nation’s tax collection agency.  IRS employees hid their identities while testifying about collection quotas, illegal tax liens and systematic auditing of low and middle-income people.  Taxpayers gave personal accounts of the extreme harassment they received from IRS agents who were trying to collect on improper tax levies.

“The American people watched these hearings with disgust and responded by demanding that their representatives reform the IRS.  Today’s signing of reform legislation is the result of this overwhelming public outcry.  It is a true victory for American taxpayers.  The country is saying no to oppressive and police-state behavior from the tax collector. 

“No longer will taxpayers in dispute with the IRS have fewer rights than accused murderers.  Citizens will be innocent until proven guilty, have the right to sue the IRS for negligence, and be granted attorney/client privilege in their dealings with tax advisers.

“Today’s signing is just a first step.  Vigilant oversight of the IRS and effort to reform the agency must continue both on Capitol Hill and in the White House.  Beyond overhaul of the agency, the true goal should be a simpler tax system and lower taxes for all Americans.  The tax relief bill enacted in 1997 included 824 adjustments to the mind-numbing 7.5 million word tax code.  The best way to end abusive IRS behavior is to enact a simpler system such as a flat tax.  If taxpayers know the law, they cannot be intimidated into paying taxes they do not owe, and if IRS employees are faced with fewer rules and regulations, the tax system will work in a much more efficient manner.  CCAGW will continue to be out front on the issue of tax reform.”

CCAGW is a 600,000 member lobbying organization dedicated to seeking enactment of legislation to eliminate waste, inefficiency, mismanagement and abuse in the federal government.