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Trump’s IRS claims are patently false

By Staff | Oct 9, 2016

Some say that eyes are windows to the soul, but nothing reveals personal ethics better than tax returns. They’re the best way to judge the character of someone you don’t know.

Donald Trump says he can’t release any of his returns because they’re being audited by the IRS. That’s not true – he’s free to share his returns at any time. What’s surprising is that he’s being audited at all, considering the state of today’s IRS.

Although the IRS workload has increased 11 percent since 2010, Congress has cut its budget by 17 percent, inflation-adjusted. Advised to concentrate on customer service instead, the IRS has reduced enforcement personnel by 5,000 positions, even though chasing tax cheats recovers $4 for every $1 spent.

As for customer service, last year the IRS received more than 100 million telephone calls and answered only 37 percent. IRS personnel are allowed to answer "basic questions" – the rest are "out of scope," leaving taxpayers to do their own research or see paid preparers. And next year, IRS offices are supposed to eliminate walk-ins, see taxpayers by appointment only and close on April 15.

IRS audits generally occur two years after due date, and audits past six years are performed only for "substantial errors." Auditors say it’s easier to get money from someone who has none than from someone who has a lot.

IF the IRS is devoting its limited resources to the continued auditing of Trump’s 2009-15 returns, it must expect a bonanza. We need to see those returns.

Charlotte Pogue

Brookline

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