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Congress·Passed House·H.R. 997

IRS: Independent Legal Counsel for the Taxpayer Advocate

National Taxpayer Advocate Enhancement Act of 2025

12 months ago·View on Congress.gov
⏸

Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

Legislative Progress

✓ House
Senate
President
Law

Key Points

  • This bill allows the National Taxpayer Advocate to hire their own legal team. This official works within the IRS but acts as a watchdog to help people who are having trouble with their taxes or the agency.
  • Right now, the Advocate often has to use the same lawyers that represent the IRS. This change lets them have their own lawyers who report directly to them, making the office more independent.
  • The goal is to make sure the Advocate can give better, unbiased help to taxpayers. By having their own legal experts, they can more effectively challenge IRS decisions that might be unfair to regular people.
  • This update fixes a rule from 1998 to make it clear that the Advocate's office should have its own staff. It aims to strengthen the voice of the taxpayer within the federal government.

Milestones

4 milestones15 actions
Apr 1, 2025Senate

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mar 31, 2025House

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Mar 31, 2025House

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 385 - 0 (Roll no. 85). (text: CR H1349-1350)

Mar 31, 2025

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 385 - 0 (Roll no. 85).

Mar 31, 2025House

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1356-1357)

Vote Results

1 vote
HousePassedProceduralMar 31, 2025

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended

385
0
Democrat
193 – 0 · 20
Republican
192 – 0 · 25
View full roll call

Related Bills

1 bill
S. 1704Related bill

National Taxpayer Advocate Enhancement Act of 2025

May 8 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

National Taxpayer Advocate Enhancement Act of 2025

Bill NumberHR 997
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
D: 1

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.