The stories coming out about IRS abuses of nonprofit groups are appalling. We will likely find out that arrogant and biased officials are to blame, as well as members of Congress who pushed them to be especially aggressive on conservative groups.
Past IRS abuses have stemmed from foul play by both politicians and bureaucrats. As Gene Healy mentions, numerous presidents have used the IRS as a political weapon. As for the bureaucrats, investigations during the 1990s revealed how IRS enforcement had run amok, with abusive tactics being used against small businesses and other taxpayers.
Some of the hearings were hair-raising, and the abuses led Congress to pass the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998. Useful links to hearing documents are here and hereincluding Senator Roth describing the agency as having an “awesome power.” Washington Post coverage is here, including a story about how even President Clinton was “outraged” by the revelations of IRS abuse.
Read more at http://www.cato.org/blog/irs-abuses-past-present
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