IRS Nominee Billy Long Grilled on Political Interference and Tribal Tax Credits

Political Interference and IRS Independence

• 🏛️ Senator Tina Smith questioned IRS nominee Billy Long on his legal obligations if the President or Vice President directly or indirectly requested the investigation or revocation of a foundation's tax-exempt status.
• ⚖️ Long stated his legal obligation would be to report such requests to the Inspector General (IG).
• ⚠️ Smith expressed concern about past instances of presidents playing politics with the IRS, citing a president who questioned tax-exempt status based on grant-making activities.
• ✅ Long pledged to follow the law and report any prohibited requests, stating that political interference would not happen on his watch.

Past Actions and Concerns

• 🔍 Smith raised concerns about Long's past push for an investigation into a nonprofit related to a Missouri ballot referendum, suggesting it appeared to be political interference in tax processes.
• ❓ Long defended his actions regarding tribal tax credits, stating he had no indication they were not real and advised individuals to consult their CPAs, CFOs, or lawyers.

Tribal Tax Credits Controversy

• 📉 Smith highlighted that the IRS has stated these tribal tax credits do not exist, questioning Long's prior involvement in marketing them.
• ❓ Long stated he had not heard directly from the IRS that the credits do not exist and expressed uncertainty about his potential involvement due to an ethics agreement, but committed to doing what is permissible and investigating any illegal activity.
• ⚠️ The core concern raised is a potential conflict of interest due to receiving payment for marketing tax credits that the IRS reportedly says do not exist.