Letter: Audit of IRS is welcome

Talk about it

Whistleblowers in the federal agency known as the Internal Revenue Service have exposed fraud regarding ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Numbers). ITINs are issued to individuals who are seeking a tax identification number so they can file tax forms to get refunds and tax credits fraudulently, which they are not entitled to. Many undocumented workers are using this method to obtain funds they are not entitled to.

According to Howard Antelis, a tax examiner with the IRS, he was told by IRS managers to overlook fraudulent applications. Those submitting the W7 form for an ITIN need to give documentation of some sort like school attendance and driver’s licenses. These documents are easily forged. Mr. Antelis had several applications for ITINs from individuals that all used documentation that they attended a certain school. Upon investigation, it was found the school never existed.

It is a good thing that an audit of the IRS is now occurring. It is about time considering that agency will now help enforce the Affordable Care Act.

Tags: opinion, letters