Press Releases

Ways and Means Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement on new reporting that Black Americans are three to five times as likely to be audited by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS):

“For years, Ways and Means Democrats have raised alarms over audit rate disparities between low-income and wealthy taxpayers, and today’s findings confirm that stark racial disparities exist as well. This is unacceptable, but a consequence of algorithmic tools that exacerbate racial biases in our institutions. The Committee’s Racial Equity Initiative has focused on biased algorithms in our health care system, and it’s clear we must address the discrimination at the IRS. I look forward to working with Secretary Yellen to turn over a new page at the IRS, spurred by our multiyear investments from the Inflation Reduction Act. All taxpayers deserve fair treatment, and Ways and Means Democrats won’t stop until that’s a reality.”