Author Archive
Management
Kristi Noem misled Congress about top aide’s role in DHS contracts
Testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Noem denied that Corey Lewandowski had any role in approving contracts. But internal DHS records and interviews with current and former agency staffers contradict her testimony.
Oversight
Lawmakers call for probe of how firm tied to Kristi Noem got piece of $220M DHS ad contracts
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has come under fire after allegations that a Republican consulting firm with ties to her and department leadership had been awarded an ad campaign contract.
Oversight
The Inflation Reduction Act Will Require the IRS to Study Free Tax Filing Options
TurboTax maker Intuit has long blocked efforts to create free online tax filing for all, but this sweeping domestic policy bill provides $15 million to investigate how the IRS could implement such a program.
Oversight
Secret IRS Files Reveal How Much the Ultrawealthy Gained by Shaping Trump’s 'Big, Beautiful Tax Cut'
Billionaire business owners deployed lobbyists to make sure Trump’s 2017 tax bill was tailored to their benefit. Confidential IRS records show the windfall that followed.
Oversight
DOJ Frees Federal Prosecutors to Take Steps That Could Interfere With Elections, Weakening Long-standing Policy
In an internal announcement, the Justice Department created an exception to a decades-long policy meant to prevent prosecutors from taking overt investigative steps that might affect the outcome of the vote.
Management
The Justice Department May Have Violated Attorney General Barr’s Own Policy Memo
In a memo from May, the attorney general reminded Justice Dept. prosecutors to avoid partisan politics. Then a U.S. attorney in Pennsylvania announced an election investigation that had partisan overtones.
Oversight
Senate Investigation Criticizes the IRS for Failing to Oversee Free Filing Program
Millions of Americans have spent billions on TurboTax and other tax prep that they shouldn’t have. The Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations recommends the IRS advertise the free filing option.
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Management
This Treasury Official Is Running the Bailout. It’s Been Great for His Family.
Deputy Treasury Secretary Justin Muzinich has an increasingly prominent role. He still has ties to his family’s investment firm, which is a major beneficiary of the Treasury’s bailout actions.
Management
Donald and Ivanka Trump Were Involved in Inauguration’s Inflated Payments to Family Business, New Suit Says
“Members of the Trump family were aware of and involved in the negotiation of this unconscionable contract,” the District of Columbia’s attorney general wrote in the suit.
Oversight
IRS Reforms Free File Program, Drops Agreement Not to Compete With TurboTax
The changes come after ProPublica’s reporting showed how TurboTax maker Intuit tricked customers into paying for tax prep they could have gotten for free.
Management
The IRS Tried to Hide Emails That Show Tax Industry Influence Over Free File Program
After ProPublica sued the IRS, the agency released emails that show it has allowed the tax preparation industry to write the rules.
Management
Congress Scraps Provision to Restrict IRS From Competing With TurboTax
The change comes after ProPublica highlighted the deceptive marketing practices of Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, and other major tax prep companies.
Management
TurboTax Uses a 'Military Discount" to Trick Troops Into Paying to File Their Taxes
Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, created and promoted a “military discount” that charges service members who are eligible to file for free.
Management
Senior IRS Leaders Launch Review of Agency’s Partnership With TurboTax and H&R Block
Both the IRS and its inspector general are investigating the partnership with the tax software industry in response to ProPublica’s reporting.
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Management
Bill to Limit IRS’ Ability to Offer Free Tax Filing Service Is Getting New Scrutiny
The attention comes after ProPublica reported on the provision.
Oversight
Congress Is About to Ban the Government From Offering Free Online Tax Filing. Thank TurboTax.
A bill supported by Democrats and Republicans would make permanent a program that bars the IRS from ever developing its own online tax filing service.
