Ehrlich on Washington column, April 24, 2000

MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 3 1 5 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 EHRLICH ON WASHINGTON Week of April 24, 2000 By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. In Need of Assistance The passing of yet another April 15th deadline for filing our income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service brings to mind the money we pay to our state and federal governments. I have been and remain committed to lowering the tax burden on all of us. The IRS, however, is more than just an agency processing tax returns. It has been accused of some heavy-handed tactics and aggressive collection efforts. On a number of occasions, I have been asked to get involved. An example of such involvement is an unresolved matter between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a local VFW Post. Out of respect for the privacy concerns of the VFW and its members, I cannot relay all the details of the case. However, in 1993 the IRS audited the Post for the years 1989-1992. The audit resulted in the Post being liable for owing a certain amount of Federal tax. Seven years later, with interest accruing, the IRS has yet to actually assess a specific amount of tax against the Post. What this means is, when a tax bill is finally presented, at least seven years of interest will be attached. Incredibly, when asked why it was taking the IRS so long to make a determination, an IRS Agent responded by saying it’s “our (the IRS’) process.” The Post contacted my office requesting I intervene to expedite either an assessment, which they might then consider fighting, or some form of closing agreement. I gladly intervened to help bring an end to this ridiculous delay. Tax problems are not the only situations where my office has intervened to help constituents. People often need help with Social Security payments, postal-delivery problems, passport applications, as well as veterans issues, workers compensation problems, HUD housing difficulties, and other federal issues. The vast majority of my constituents simply want the Federal government to leave them alone when possible and treat them fairly when some form of interaction is needed. If you are trying to resolve an issue with a Federal agency and believe you are not being treated fairly, I urge you to contact my office. While I am unable to guarantee a specific result, my staff and I will work hard to make sure you are heard and treated respectfully. Each and every one deserves at least that much.