Trump IRS Nominee Built Career Helping the Rich Avoid Taxes

Trump’s IRS nominee will make sure you pay more and the rich pay less. Cenk Uygur, the host of The Young Turks, explains. Tell us what you think in the comment section below.

Read the whole story from TYT Investigates

“President Trump’s reported nominee for commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service is a longtime tax lawyer who has helped a range of affluent individuals shield their wealth from the prying hands of government, according to court documents and press accounts.

Based in Beverly Hills, Charles “Chuck” Rettig has represented a bevy of rich clients in disputes with tax collectors, with a special emphasis on offshore account holders who may run afoul of U.S. law.

Conservative consternation about the IRS reached a fever pitch during the Obama administration, with House Republicans initiating impeachment proceedings against then-commissioner John Koskinen over allegations that conservative advocacy groups were improperly targeted for tax audits. President Obama declared that he would view any such targeting as “outrageous,” and the Treasury Department’s inspector general later found that progressive-leaning groups were also subject to intensive scrutiny.

Praised by colleagues as a pioneer of the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program, which the IRS offers to tax evaders who wish to preemptively apprise authorities of their noncompliance and receive reduced penalties as a result, Rettig has hailed the program as a sound economic decision even for the most egregiously delinquent clients. “Participating taxpayers receive the ability to use the previously undisclosed funds in any manner they desire,” he wrote in 2012. “Many have benefitted by repatriating foreign funds with limited earning potential into a depressed U.S. economy with a suffering real estate market and numerous business opportunities.” Rettig is also known for writing a Forbes.com column in defense of President Trump’s refusal to release his tax returns.

Rettig has characterized tax scofflaws as well-intentioned citizens who want to hand over their fair share, but simply lack the necessary knowledge. “There are a lot of wannabe taxpayers, who just don’t know how to get back into the system,” he said in 2004. “When you provide some incentive for people to come forward, you find a tremendous number of folks step up to the plate.”

Hosts: Cenk Uygur

Cast: Cenk Uygur

***

The Largest Online News Show in the World. Hosted by Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian. LIVE STREAMING weekdays 68pm ET.

Subscribe to The Young Turks on YouTube

Like The Young Turks on Facebook

Follow The Young Turks on Twitter

Buy TYT Merch

Download audio and video of the full two hour show ondemand + the membersonly post game show by becoming a member at Your membership supports the day to day operations and is vital for our continued success and growth.

Young Turk (n), 1. Young progressive or insurgent member of an institution, movement, or political party. 2. A young person who rebels against authority or societal expectations.(American Heritage Dictionary)