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IRS chief: lawmakers’ trips have same status as others’ |
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By Mike Soraghan
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Posted: 03/28/07 07:32 PM [ET] |
Lawmakers and staff who like to take spouses and children on “fact-finding” missions received some bad news Tuesday.
IRS Commissioner Mark Everson told a gathering at the National Press Club that politicians are held to “the same standards” as other Americans. He was responding to a question as to whether lawmakers could take family members with them on free trips without reporting that to the IRS.
“We do hold politicians and others to the same standards of the law,” Everson said. “We do hold all Americans to the same standards as to what is income and what is not.”
Tax-reporting requirements depend on whether the trip is business-related, Everson added.
The story was first reported on the Detroit News website.
Regarding a complaint filed by Public Citizen about the practice, Everson said, “I’ll make sure we take a look at it when I return to the office.”
Last year, Everson cracked down on the “goodie bags,” worth up to $100,000, given to Hollywood stars at the Oscars, noting that the gifts are taxable. |
