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THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Vice President
For Immediate Release
July 22, 1998
STATEMENT BY VICE PRESIDENT GORE
ON THE PRESIDENT'S SIGNING OF THE
IRS RESTRUCTURING AND REFORM ACT
The President's signing today of the IRS Restructuring and Reform
Act is a victory for Americans everywhere. This bill will ensure that
last year's reforms, which began as a joint effort of the National
Partnership for Reinventing Government and the Treasury Department,
will not only continue but thrive.
With the President's Taxpayers' Bill of Rights and with Treasury
Secretary Rubin's hard work over the past two years, we have already
instituted many significant changes at the IRS focused on improving
customer service.
We have expanded and improved service hours and phone support,
making it possible for over three million small business taxpayers to
file their quarterly payroll returns over the phone; we have made
filing forms and information available on-line on a new, easier-to-use
website; and we have successfully instituted innovative programs to
expand electronic filing. This year, one in five returns was filed
electronically, a 29 percent increase over last year.
The bill that President Clinton signed today will expand on these
efforts, giving Americans a redesigned, reenergized, and refocused IRS
for the 21st century. This new law will enable the IRS to deliver
better, more accountable service to the American people.
I thank the many dedicated individuals and organizations that gave
their support and guidance on this issue. In particular, I commend
Secretary Rubin for his hard work and commitment to this cause.
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