February 3, 2023

Protecting Taxpayers

Image courtesy of the Washington Times

If you haven’t heard, the IRS is looking to expand its reach into yet another aspect of Americans’ private lives. This time, they want to snoop on your private bank records and transactions. Contrary to President Biden’s claim, they aren’t just going after the wealthy, they are coming for you. This is unacceptable, and Congress must act to stop this outrageous overreach.

We all know the disappointment of having to miss a big concert or sporting event because life just got in the way. What do we do with those expensive tickets? Sell them to a friend, of course. Thankfully, apps such as Venmo make this easy. Found some knickknacks in the attic and need some extra cash for rent? Easy, sell them on Etsy. Simple, right? Not if the IRS gets its way.

Now, if you are asking yourself why the IRS is all of a sudden going to start snooping on your private transactions, the answer is simple: Democrats inserted a hidden provision in the American Rescue Plan requiring third-party payment platforms to report to the IRS when a company or individual brings in revenues exceeding $600 or makes a single transaction.

Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and I wrote an editorial in the Washington Times this week discussing the SNOOP Act, our legislation to overturn this new reporting modification and protect American taxpayers.

Nominate a Woman of Distinction

Southern California is fortunate to be home to so many incredible women who contribute to the success of our communities. In anticipation of Women’s History Month, I am asking you to help me recognize outstanding women in California's 45th District who are civically engaged and committed to serving others. 

Between now and March 1st, my office will be accepting nominations for the 2023 Women of Distinction Awards. If you know a woman who lives or works in our district and deserves Congressional recognition for her contributions to our community, please visit my website to nominate her. 

Countering Chinese Communist Party (CCP) hostility requires a strong relationship with Taiwan. For far too long, the "One China Policy" has obstructed the relationship between the United States and Taiwan in our efforts to stand up to the CCP.

That's why I joined Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI) and 17 of my colleagues to introduce a resolution calling for the Administration to end the One China Policy and restore normal diplomatic relations and institute a free trade agreement with Taiwan.

The CCP is the greatest threat to freedom that we currently face, and we must reaffirm our commitments to our allies to counter that threat. That's why I’m proud to support this resolution and stand with our Taiwanese allies.

My office is hosting an IRS seminar for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) to go over the latest federal tax filing requirements and other information to help CPAs navigate this tax filing season.

If you are a CPA looking to help clients navigate their taxes this year, you won't want to miss this event!

When: Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 10:30 AM
Where: Korean Community Center,
9876 Garden Grove Blvd.,
Garden Grove CA 92844
RSVP: by emailing Narah.Neri@mail.house.gov

What I’m Reading...

Thanks for taking the time to read about what I've been doing on behalf of Southern California families. Be sure to connect with my official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages, where I post the latest news and updates. It is an honor to serve you in Congress.

Sincerely,

Rep. Michelle Steel
Member of Congress