Taxpayers To Gain Clout Against Irs

A “Taxpayer Bill of Rights” allowing Americans to sue for wrongful collections and providing other protections against IRS abuse is on its way to President Clinton after easy passage by Congress.

The Senate approved the bill by voice vote on Thursday, with Democrats and Republicans reaching agreement on a day otherwise marked by partisan bickering and gridlock.

The popular measure passed the House in April, 425-0, and is backed by the Clinton administration.

It allows taxpayers to sue the Internal Revenue Service for up to $1 million for reckless collections - 10 times the current $100,000 cap on such lawsuits.