While it might not be surprising to hear about intimidation and confrontation on the part of IRS agents trying to collect back taxes, one Ohio resident was reportedly on the receiving end of a particularly deceptive ploy.
According to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH), the agent “used a false name” and claimed to be at the resident’s home “to discuss issues concerning an estate for which the taxpayer was the fiduciary” in order to gain access to the residence.
Once inside the taxpayer’s home, the agent allegedly used the opportunity “to confront her about delinquent tax filings.”
This is just the latest incident highlighting perceived abuses by the tax-collecting agency.
Jordan sent a letter detailing these allegations to IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel, asserting that the agent’s behavior “raises serious concerns of the IRS abusing the civil liberties of American taxpayers.”
The incident reportedly occurred in April and involved an agent who used the pseudonym Bill Haus, who “shared details about the estate only the IRS would know” to convince the homeowner to invite him in.
Shortly thereafter, Jordan asserted that the agent admitted that “the true purpose of his visit was not due to any issue with the decedent’s estate, but rather because the decedent allegedly had several delinquent tax return filings.”
At that point, the taxpayer reportedly contacted her lawyer, who in turn instructed the agent to leave the property.
This only angered the agent, according to Jordan’s letter, and he “responded aggressively, insisting: ‘I am an IRS agent, I can be at and go into anyone’s house at any time I want to be.’”
Law enforcement officers also became involved, telling the agent to stay away from the woman’s home. In response, he filed a complaint against the agency.
Although the agent ultimately agreed to leave, it was not before he told the taxpayer that “he would freeze all her assets and put a lien on her house” if the taxes were not paid.
Weeks later, the taxpayer was advised that she actually did not owe anything and the IRS closed the case against her.
First, the IRS knocked on @mtaibbi’s door while he was testifying.
Now, we learn they harassed one of our constituents who didn’t do anything wrong.
And to top it off, the IRS agent used a fake name to enter the constituent’s home. pic.twitter.com/EJX0Qlynte
— Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) June 17, 2023
Jordan’s letter concluded that the “behavior from an IRS agent to an American taxpayer — providing an alias, using deception to secure entry into the taxpayer’s home, and then filing an Inspector General complaint against a police officer examining that matter — is highly concerning.”
