IRS—Contrary to Its Repeated Pledges—Likely Increase Tax Audits of Americans Earning Under $400,000

IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel faces tough questioning over potentially breaking a pledge by auditing Americans earning under $400,000, risking the agency’s integrity and fueling concerns that the IRS will disproportionately target lower earners in its enforcement ramp-up. Despite previous assurances, a watchdog warns the lack of a clear “high-income” definition could ensnare those with lesser incomes in the agency’s dragnet, potentially contradicting promises and undermining taxpayer trust.