Senator Ron Wyden reveals stunning assessment of fraudulent tax break claims during discussion with IRS Commissioner
Whistleblower’s shocking estimate reveals widespread fraud
During a private meeting with IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Senator Ron Wyden made a shocking revelation. A whistleblower had estimated that a staggering 95% of current COVID-era tax break claims made by businesses were fraudulent. The Commissioner, causing further alarm, confirmed the whistleblower’s assessment by avoiding eye contact and reluctantly acknowledging the fraudulent claims. Senator Wyden’s account of this inquiry sheds light on the urgent need to swiftly resolve the issue surrounding the employee retention tax credit.
‘Aggressive marketers’ exploit tax breaks leading to skyrocketing claims
Enticed by aggressive marketers, business owners were enticed by the prospect of lucrative refunds if they applied for the employee retention tax credit. Consequently, the program designed to cost the federal government an estimated $55 billion has ballooned to a mind-boggling nearly five times that amount, as of July. Moreover, the IRS continues to receive an influx of new claims each week, contributing to the growing financial burden that lawmakers are eager to restrain.
Bipartisan consensus: Close down the program
Despite rarely agreeing on significant issues, lawmakers from across the political spectrum unite in their resolve to put an end to the employee retention tax credit program. Both liberal Senator Elizabeth Warren and conservative Senator Ron Johnson concur that the program has succumbed to nearly universal fraud due to its loose standards and inadequate oversight.
Measures to curtail fraudulent claims and generate substantial savings
The Joint Committee on Taxation foresees approximately $79 billion in savings over the course of a decade by expediting the winding down of the program and increasing penalties for entities promoting deceitful claims. Lawmakers intend to utilize these savings to offset the cost of three business tax breaks and a more generous child tax credit for low-income families. The estimated average tax cut of $680 in the first year for households benefiting from the modified child tax credit bolsters support for the proposed bill.
Impediments to legislation passage
Although the bill received overwhelming support of 40-3 in a House committee, its passage through Congress remains uncertain due to individual senators expressing reservations. Senator Wyden suggests that a strong vote in the House could expedite Senate action. However, passing significant legislation during an election year presents a considerable challenge.
Program amendments and qualifying conditions
Employers who experienced closure or partial suspension due to local or state government orders or those who faced significant revenue declines are eligible for the tax credit. Its popularity prompted Congress to extend and amend the program three times, with the credit amounting to a maximum of $26,000 per employee, applicable to wages paid through 2021.
Accountant raises concerns about rampant abuse
Larry Gray, a certified public accountant from Rolla, Missouri, expressed concerns about program abuse as early as its inception. Gray, who has reviewed tax credit filings, observed the absence of proper documentation during issuance, emphasizing the IRS’s eagerness to distribute checks. Preliminary findings indicate that a considerable number of ineligible businesses have applied, either failing to provide the necessary government closure orders or inventing justifications, such as wage increase-induced struggles in hiring.
IRS diverts resources to tackle fraud
In light of mounting concerns over fraudulent claims, the IRS temporarily halted the acceptance of new claims until 2024, following 3.6 million applications. The IRS also outlined additional measures to curb fraud, such as creating special withdrawal and voluntary disclosure programs for those awaiting claim resolution. As a result, the IRS has witnessed an immediate 40% decrease in average weekly claims.
Effort to resolve legitimate claims and reduce fraud
Eliminating fraudulent claims will hasten the resolution of legitimate business claims currently in a backlog, accommodating businesses in need of prompt financial support. As of early December, the IRS dealt with approximately 1 million backlog claims.
Tax credit faces dwindling support within Congress
The employee retention tax credit, despite being well-intentioned, has garnered significant opposition in Congress due to the extent of fraud associated with the program. The common sentiment among lawmakers, including Senator Mark Warner, is that the program has faltered, necessitating its termination.