A recent push by Senator Joni Ernst, a key figure in the Senate’s DOGE caucus, aims to address delinquent tax payments among IRS employees and contractors. Ernst advocates for stricter audits and policies to ensure compliance with tax laws. The issue extends beyond IRS personnel, affecting thousands of federal employees who have failed to meet their tax obligations. This initiative seeks not only to restore public trust but also to promote accountability within government agencies.

In addition to urging the IRS to audit its workforce, Ernst has criticized practices such as rehiring individuals dismissed for misconduct. Her efforts include introducing legislation like the "Audit the IRS Act," which targets serious tax debtors within the agency. Public figures, including Elon Musk, have shown interest in auditing the IRS, sparking discussions about modernization and transparency.

Holding IRS Employees Accountable

Senator Joni Ernst is leading an effort to improve accountability among IRS employees and contractors. With nearly $46 million owed in unpaid taxes by IRS personnel, Ernst calls for comprehensive audits and adherence to payment plans. She emphasizes that resolving internal issues should precede targeting private citizens. Ernst's letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlights the necessity of ensuring federal employees comply with tax regulations to uphold public confidence.

The problem involves approximately 6,000 IRS employees and contractors identified as having outstanding tax debts. A report from the Treasury inspector general reveals that only about one-third are actively repaying their obligations. Ernst criticizes the IRS for rehiring over 400 individuals previously dismissed due to performance issues, including misconduct and noncompliance with tax duties. Furthermore, she points out the rehiring of 300 former employees associated with criminal behavior or unauthorized access to taxpayer information. These actions undermine public trust and highlight systemic challenges requiring immediate attention.

Expanding Oversight Across Federal Agencies

Beyond IRS employees, Ernst's focus includes addressing tax noncompliance across other federal agencies. Reports indicate over 42,000 civilian federal employees failed to file timely tax returns between fiscal years 2015 and 2020. Many of these repeat offenders work for the Post Office, Department of Veterans Affairs, or the Army. This broader issue underscores the need for enhanced oversight mechanisms to ensure all government workers fulfill their financial responsibilities.

To tackle this pervasive problem, Ernst introduced the "Audit the IRS Act" in July 2024. This legislation prohibits individuals with significant tax debts from serving as IRS officers or employees, promoting integrity within the agency. Public discourse around IRS accountability gained momentum when Elon Musk proposed auditing the IRS via his platform X. Although Musk's representative was barred from accessing sensitive taxpayer data, the discussion highlighted concerns about IRS modernization and efficiency. Ernst supports firing over 800 IRS agents with substantial back taxes, reinforcing her commitment to fostering accountability and transparency within government operations.