IRS Didn’t Fire Tax Cheaters

Despite regulations that say IRS employees who violate tax laws must be fired, more than 60 percent of those found to have such offenses recieved lesser punishments—such as counseling or suspensions—according to a new report. Among the violations were late tax filings and false claims for tax breaks, including a first-time home-buyer credit. In a statement, the IRS emphasized its 99 percent tax-compliance rate, and added that “changes will include a more proactive approach to ensure timeliness and consistency and provide more transparency in the mitigation process while preserving the commissioner’s authority.”