The IRS seeks an additional $119 million to enforce ObamaCare

The IRS seeks an additional $119 million to enforce ObamaCare

Politico reports:

The IRS is asking for $119 million in additional funds to enforce the tax portions of the health care overhaul in fiscal 2012, including the 1099 provision that has been targeted for repeal by a bipartisan majority in Congress.

The money would go towards hiring hundreds of new full-time employees and set up an account that would fund new technology and infrastructure.

“Implementation of the Affordable Care Act of 2010 presents a major challenge to the IRS. ACA represents the largest set of tax law changes in more than 20 years, with more than 40 provisions that amend the tax laws. Although the new law goes into effect gradually over many years, many provisions required immediate action,” the Treasury Department said in its presentation of the budget request.


The IRS also is asking for some $23 million to help taxpayers understand the new law and the changes coming in 2014. Some provisions of the law have already come into effect, including the small business tax credit and the tax on tanning. The implementation of the tanning tax will cost $11.5 million, the IRS estimates.

Opponents of the ACA have focused on the IRS request as proof the law continues to harm the country’s economy.

“As the IRS says, Obamacare represents the largest set of tax changes in more than 20 years,” said Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.). “Adding hundreds of new jobs and millions of dollars to the IRS isn’t going to make care better or more available for anyone. I will continue to fight to repeal and replace Obamacare with patient-centered reforms that help the private sector – not the IRS – create more jobs.”

Democrats defended the request.

"The IRS needs funding to implement hundreds of billions of dollars in tax credits for small businesses and American families. If Republicans want to stop this funding and raise taxes on small businesses who are currently giving their workers health care, they should be honest about it," said a House Democratic aide.

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