April 18,2016

Press Contact:

Lindsey Held: 202-224-4515

Wyden Statement on Finance Committee Markup of ID Theft Prevention and Taxpayer Protection Bills

WASHINGTON - Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today issued the following statement regarding the recently scheduled markup of bills to curb identity theft and tax refund fraud and bolster other taxpayer protections:

“It’s long overdue that the Committee moves forward on this important legislation to protect taxpayers from fraud,” said Wyden. “However it’s missing a critical piece from the original bipartisan bill – requiring minimum standards for tax preparers – which is key to making the filing process safer and easier for consumers while curbing overall fraud. As another Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee before me wisely pointed out, it makes no sense that barbers are legally required to have more training than someone you trust with your social security number and banking information.  Taxpayers have a tough enough time getting their taxes done and in on time, they shouldn’t also have to worry about being scammed.”

###