Hoyer Statement on Tax Day

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on Tax Day to highlight the continued attacks on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by the Trump Administration:

"Today is the last day for most Americans to file their tax returns. The vast majority of them do so dutifully not only because the law requires it of them but also because they recognize it as an integral part of healthy civic life in our country.

"The Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress have made it harder for working Americans to file their taxes and easier for the wealthiest tax cheats to get out of paying their fair share. Today, the Internal Revenue Service is an agency in turmoil. By cutting IRS funding and purging staff at the height of tax season, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought have deleted the people throughout our nation who provide customer service to taxpayers, hear tax disputes, crack down on tax fraud, and ensure Americans get their tax refunds on time.

"Trump and Musk's DOGE henchmen have also accessed taxpayers’ private data, including their Social Security numbers, addresses, financial history, and much more. Furthermore, they intend to breach longstanding legal firewalls, sharing rather than protecting sensitive taxpayer data. Every American who cares about their personal privacy ought to be outraged by these unprecedented breaches.

"Meanwhile, Republicans continue their assault on the IRS's enforcement budget. Even though studies indicate $1 invested in examining tax returns for millionaires yields $12 in federal revenue, the agency has been desperately understaffed and underfunded for decades. Further cuts and fewer employees will only make it harder for the IRS to enforce our existing tax laws – especially among the wealthiest individuals and corporations who know how to cover their tracks.

"Hardworking American taxpayers shouldn't have to bear additional costs just so the wealthy can get out of paying what they legally owe.”