IRS budget increase under Kamala Harris: More taxes ahead?

The Biden-Harris administration has proposed a significant budget increase for the IRS, seeking an additional $104 billion for the agency. This follows a previous infusion of $80 billion over ten years, aimed at enhancing the IRS's capacity to enforce tax compliance. However, concerns have been raised regarding the agency's focus, as audits disproportionately target lower-income taxpayers, with 63% of audits last year involving individuals earning less than $200,000. This raises questions about the criteria used for audits and the potential for political bias. Historically, the IRS has faced scrutiny for alleged partisan practices, particularly against conservative groups, as evidenced by a 2013 audit confirming such claims. The current administration's push to expand the IRS workforce by over 100,000 employees is framed as a move towards fairness in tax collection. Yet, critics argue that this expansion may lead to increased audits of conservative taxpayers, echoing past concerns about the agency's integrity. Moreover, the IRS has been criticized for its own employees' tax compliance, with over 3,500 IRS staff reportedly owing more than $50 million in back taxes. This situation raises further doubts about the agency's commitment to fairness and accountability. As the IRS prepares to implement these changes, the implications for taxpayers, particularly those with lower incomes, remain uncertain. In conclusion, the proposed budget increase and workforce expansion could significantly alter the IRS's operations, but the historical context of alleged bias and current compliance issues suggest that many Americans may view these developments with skepticism. The potential for weaponization of the agency against certain groups could undermine public trust in the IRS.