Discussion · House of Representatives
Jason Smith Republican
“I want the House to pass this bill. Some dishonest tax preparers file fake returns that look like taxpayers filed them on their own. This bill protects innocent people from paying penalties forever for fraud they did not commit.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 9499, the Protecting Taxpayers from Ghost Preparers Act, introduced by Representative Malliotakis. Shady businesses and criminal enterprises commit all types of tax fraud, including exploiting the system by filing returns on behalf of individuals while making it appear that the taxpayers prepared and submitted those returns themselves. The actions of these so-called ghost preparers can leave an innocent taxpayer facing the blame and potential IRS penalties for a crime that they did not commit. This legislation provides much-needed clarity within our tax code and ensures Americans do not face an indefinite future of IRS assessments or penalties because of the misdeeds of others. It reflects the longstanding commitment of Representative Malliotakis to protecting the rights of taxpayers, particularly those within her own district who have been the victims of tax fraud. Mr. Speaker, I applaud her leadership on the issue and her work to put forward legislation that received unanimous approval from the House Ways and Means Committee. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 9499, the Protecting Taxpayers from Ghost Preparers Act, introduced by Representative Malliotakis. Shady businesses and criminal enterprises commit all types of tax fraud, including exploiting the system by filing returns on behalf of individuals while making it appear that the taxpayers prepared and submitted those returns themselves. The actions of these so-called ghost preparers can leave an innocent taxpayer facing the blame and potential IRS penalties for a crime that they did not commit. This legislation provides much-needed clarity within our tax code and ensures Americans do not face an indefinite future of IRS assessments or penalties because of the misdeeds of others. It reflects the longstanding commitment of Representative Malliotakis to protecting the rights of taxpayers, particularly those within her own district who have been the victims of tax fraud. Mr. Speaker, I applaud her leadership on the issue and her work to put forward legislation that received unanimous approval from the House Ways and Means Committee. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.