1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I am writing to ask you to obtain, make public, and investigate the delay in releasing IRS data on how taxpayers are using the new tax breaks enacted in the Republican tax legislation. The data could show who is claiming deductions for tips and overtime, how claims vary by income, and how much tax people are paying. The IRS had scheduled releases for earlier this year, but the figures remain unavailable pending Treasury Department approval. These records matter to the public’s ability to assess the effects of a major tax law. Taxpayers should not have to rely on political claims when the government has relevant evidence in its possession. Please ask the Treasury Department and IRS to provide Congress with the complete data, the original and revised release schedules, and all records documenting decisions to postpone publication. I also urge you to press for a clear public explanation of the delay and a firm date for release. If officials believe the data cannot be released in its current form, they should explain the specific legal, privacy, or technical obstacle and describe what steps are being taken to resolve it. Please investigate whether the delay reflects legitimate data-quality or operational concerns, or whether it is connected to political considerations ahead of the midterm elections. Your inquiry should also examine whether DOGE-related staffing cuts, budget reductions, or the competence and decisions of political appointees contributed to the delay. These are questions for an evidence-based investigation, not assumptions. Congress should examine staffing levels, funding, approval procedures, communications among Treasury and IRS officials, and any departures from the agency’s ordinary release practices. This is a matter of public accountability. A delayed release can undermine trust regardless of the reason, and the public deserves a timely, factual answer. Please use your oversight authority to secure the data and determine who made the decision, why it was made, and whether the delay was avoidable. Please let me know what actions you take and when the public can expect the information to be released.