Require Collection of Unpaid Taxes From Federal Employees

  • Potential 10 Year Savings: $1 Billion
  • Sponsor: Rep. Jason Chaffetz
  • Legislation:
  • Status: Voted on House Floor

In 2008, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reported that over 97,000 federal employees were delinquent on their federal income taxes, owing almost $1 billion in unpaid taxes. While all Americans have an obligation to pay the taxes they owe, because federal employees draw their compensation from the American taxpayers, they are especially obliged to pay their share of taxes. If not, the government should be allowed to terminate the employment of current federal employees and prohibit the hiring of future federal employees who are, after due process consideration, determined to have a "seriously delinquent tax debt." Currently, only IRS employees can be terminated for non-payment of federal income taxes. This should be expanded to include all political appointees and civil service employees.

ERIC CANTOR