STEPHEN OHLEMACHER
Associated Press= WASHINGTON (AP) — Can the Internal Revenue Service police President Barack Obama's health care mandate while simultaneously collecting all the taxes for running the federal government?
The question is being renewed in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision upholding most of the 2010 Affordable Care Act as a tax issue rather than one of interstate commerce.
Nearly 2½ years before taxpayers will have to start providing proof on their tax returns that they have health insurance, key Republicans suspect the agency already is diverting resources from collecting taxes to gear up for becoming the government's health care cop.
"Knowing the complexity of the health law, there's no question that the IRS is going to struggle with this," said Rep. Charles Boustany Jr., R-La., chairman of the House Ways and Means oversight subcommittee. "The IRS wants more resources. Well, we need to start digging down into what are they doing with the resources and personnel."
Ways and Means Committee Republicans have accused the IRS of obscuring its cost of putting in place the health care law by absorbing it into other parts of the agency's budget. They cite a June report by the Government Accountability Office that said the IRS has not always accurately identified spending related to the new health care law.
"The agency's repeated lack of transparency to Congress and its failure to provide accountability to the American taxpayers raises fundamental concerns about implementation authorities vested to the IRS," the top four Republicans on the Ways and Means Committee wrote in a June 27 letter to the IRS commissioner.
The committee chairman, Rep. Dave Camp, R-Mich., has scheduled a hearing on the tax implications of the Supreme Court's ruling for Tuesday.
Under the law, the IRS will provide tax breaks and incentives to help pay for health insurance and impose penalties on some people who don't buy coverage and on some businesses that don't offer it to employees.
The changes will require new regulations, forms and publications, new computer programs and a big new outreach program to explain it all to taxpayers and tax professionals. Businesses that don't claim an exemption will have to prove they offer health insurance to employees.
The health care law "includes the largest set of tax law changes in more than 20 years," according to the Treasury inspector general who oversees the IRS. The agency will have to hire thousands of workers to manage it, requiring significant budget increases that already are being targeted by congressional Republicans determined to dismantle the president's signature initiative.
Treasury spokeswoman Sabrina Siddiqui said, "The overwhelming majority of funds used by the agency to implement the Affordable Care Act go to administer the premium tax credits, which will be a tax cut averaging about $4,000 for more than 20 million middle-class people and families."
The Supreme Court, in its 5-4 ruling, upheld the mandate that most Americans get health insurance. The majority said Congress has the power to enforce the mandate under its taxing authority. The decision labeled the penalties a tax, noting that they will be collected by the IRS.
Those who don't get qualified health insurance will be required to pay the penalty — or tax — starting for the 2014 tax year, unless they are exempt because of low income, religious beliefs, or because they are members of American Indian tribes.
The penalty will be fully phased in by 2016, when it will be $695 for each uninsured adult or 2.5 percent of family income, whichever is greater, up to $12,500. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that 4 million people will pay the penalty that year.
The law, however, severely limits the ability of the IRS to collect the penalties. There are no civil or criminal penalties for refusing to pay it and the IRS cannot seize bank accounts or dock wages to collect it. No interest accumulates for unpaid penalties.
So how can the IRS enforce the mandate? Scary letters and threats to withhold tax refunds.
The law allows the IRS to withhold tax refunds to collect the penalty, and most filers get refunds. This year, 77 percent of the 135 million individual income tax returns processed by the IRS qualified for a refund. The average refund: $2,707.
For those who don't qualify for a refund, a stern letter from the IRS can be effective, even if it doesn't come with the threat of civil or criminal penalties, said Elizabeth Maresca, a former IRS trial attorney who supervises the Tax & Consumer Litigation Clinic at the Fordham University law school.
"Most people pay because they're scared, and I don't think that's going to change," Maresca said.
The IRS has not yet issued procedures for taxpayers to prove they have insurance. But IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman, in a 2010 speech, said he envisioned a process similar to the one used by taxpayers to report interest or investment income.
Under this scenario, an insurance company would send the taxpayer and the IRS forms each year verifying that the taxpayer has qualified insurance. Taxpayers would file the forms with the IRS along with their returns, and the IRS would check them to make sure they match the information supplied by the insurance companies.
The IRS says it is well on its way to gearing up for the new law but has offered little information about its long-term budget and staffing needs, generating complaints from Republican lawmakers and concern from government watchdogs.
The IRS is expected to spend $881 million on the law from 2010 through 2013, hiring more than 2,700 new workers and upgrading its computer systems. But the IRS has not made public information about its spending plans in the following years, when the bulk of the health care law takes effect.
The lack of information makes it impossible to determine whether the IRS will have adequate workers to enforce the health care law, the Treasury inspector general for tax administration said in a report three weeks ago. The report, however, concluded that "appropriate plans had been developed to implement tax-related provisions" of the law.
In 2010, House Ways and Means Committee Republicans issued a report saying the IRS may need as many as 16,500 additional auditors, agents and other employees "to investigate and collect billions in new taxes from Americans."
That assessment has been widely cited by opponents of the law. The IRS disputes the jobs number but hasn't offered another one.
"That is a made-up number with no basis in fact," IRS spokesman Dean Patterson said in an email. "The 2012 budget calls for about 1,200 employees for the IRS to implement the (Affordable Care Act), and the vast majority of those employees are needed to build technology infrastructure to support payments like the new tax credits for individuals and small businesses."
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Follow Stephen Ohlemacher on Twitter: http://twitter.com/stephenatap
Source: www.guardian.co.uk
Father-in-law delivers his grandson with the help of a pair of SHOE LACES when mother gives birth after only four contractions - Daily Mail
- Stephen Wilson, 61, used laces from trainers to tie off the umbilical cord
- Vikki Taylor Wilson gave birth to baby Isaac in the hallway of the family home
By Emily Allen
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Giving birth is usually something a woman normally prefers to do in front of her partner or mother.
But Vikki Taylor found herself in a rather awkward position after her father-in-law was called to help when she went into labour.
Stephen Wilson, 61, was called to step in when she gave birth in the hallway of her home and had to use the laces from his son Simon's trainers to help deliver the child.
New born: Vikki Taylor Wilson pictured with her son Isaac, who was born on the back room floor with the help of her father in law Stephen Wilson, who used the lace from a trainer to cut the umbilical cord
Sudden: Baby Isaac was born on the hall floor after his mother Vikki had just four contractions
Mrs Taylor Wilson was alone at home when she went into labour but husband Simon feared he wouldn't be able to get to her in time and called his father to help.
After four contractions, the baby arrived and Mr Wilson used laces from Simon's trainers to tie the umbilical chord before cutting it.
Mrs Taylor Wilson, 28, from Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, said: 'I woke up in the morning with a bit of tummy ache and felt a bit groggy but thought nothing of it as I had been experiencing that throughout my pregnancy.
'My husband had gone to work so I was on my own. Just after 11am I had a shooting pain in my tummy and thought it could be a contraction. I rang Simon and said "I think I am having the baby, you need to come home now"'
'He said he would, but he works 25 miles away in Hull, and called my father-in-law, Stephen Wilson, who lives about 10 minutes away to come and wait with me.'
'Thankfully, my father-in-law arrived and told me to sit down as the baby was coming now. He told me I needed to do one more big push.'
Vikki Taylor Wilson
Ms Wilson went upstairs to get dressed and had another contraction within two minutes. 'I thought "that was quick", but I managed to put on a pair of Scunthorpe United shorts and a t-shirt,' she said.
'I then went down to the kitchen and I felt a big burst of pain and my waters broke. I was very scared and could feel the baby coming. I thought "I can’t do this" but I was terrified.
'Thankfully, my father-in-law arrived and told me to sit down as the baby was coming now. He told me I needed to do one more big push.'
Mrs Taylor Wilson said the baby 'shot out' and started crying.
Baby Isaac was handed to her while Stephen went upstairs to get a towel to wrap the newborn in to keep him warm.
Although Mrs Taylor Wilson and her father-in-law were thrown in at the deep end with the unexpected birth, he received step-by-step guidance on the phone from the ambulance service.
'She told him he needed to tie the cord to stop the blood supply and cut it,' said Ms Wilson
'My husband had some new trainers nearby so Steve used the laces to tie the cord before he cut it. I was so glad he was there. I was in shock. The whole birth happened in 15 minutes. It didn’t feel real and it was like an out-of-body experience.'
Mr Wilson, 61, a full-time carer to his wife, said the birth experience last month pushed him out of his comfort zone.
'When I arrived at the house all I could hear was screaming so I ran into the house to find Vikki on the floor,' he said.
'She said to me ‘I think the baby’s head is out’ so I told her to sit down and to push. After he was born I cleaned his mouth and rang the ambulance. She then talked me through how to cut the cord.
'I have never delivered a baby before but there was no time to think. Natural instinct was all I had. I stayed calm throughout and thankfully it was all over quickly.'
Mrs Taylor Wilson and Isaac were taken to Scunthorpe General Hospital following the dramatic home birth. The little tot had to be taken into intensive care because he was cold and had low blood sugar levels
Mrs Taylor Wilson and Isaac were taken to Scunthorpe General Hospital. Isaac weighed 8lbs 10oz and was taken into intensive care because he was cold and had low blood sugar levels.
Mrs Taylor Wilson said: 'Isaac had to be put in an incubator on a heat pad for three days. I had iron injections and a bit of gas and air to help with the shock.'
Her husband Simon was giving a presentation at Hull University when he received the emergency call.
'When I spoke to Vikki I could tell that she needed to get to hospital so I rang my dad then when I got home I saw an ambulance outside and the paramedic holding the baby,' he said.
Mother and baby are now doing well at home. The couple are also parents to Jessica and Jasmine, 10, Owen 10, and Tia, 11.
Acting head of midwifery at Scunthorpe General Hospital, Julie Dixon, said: 'It is extremely rare for this type of situation to arise. It is important not to panic but to contact ourselves and we will advise as to the best way to deal with the situation, depending on the circumstances.
'We would like to add our congratulations.'
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
London 2012: Olympic sport this week - BBC News
MAJOR EVENTS THIS WEEK
ATHLETICS - Diamond League, London (13-14 July); Crystal Palace hosts the latest Diamond League meeting which, for some, is the last competitive outing before the Olympics. Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell head the 100m line-up on Friday evening, while world champion Dai Greene goes in the 400m hurdles. Live coverage on BBC Two (Fri), BBC One (Sat), BBC Sport website and BBC Radio Five Live.
CYCLING - ROAD - Tour de France (30 June - 22 July); the 99th Tour de France sees race leader Bradley Wiggins aiming to become the first British winner in the Tour's history. Mark Cavendish, who won the green jersey last year, is alongside him. Follow Bradley Wiggins on Twitter.
TORCH RELAY, Great Britain (18 May-27 July); the flame continues its 70-day relay around the UK. You can watch live coverage and check the complete route here.
LAST WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS
Federer denies Murray to win seventh Wimbledon title; Dai Greene back on form with personal best in Paris; Dujardin breaks British dressage record; Giggs to captain GB football team.
TENNIS
Highlights: Federer wins seventh title
Roger Federer won his seventh Wimbledon crown with a 4-6 7-5 6-3 6-4 wn against Andy Murray, the first British man to reach the final for 74 years.
It was a remarkable 17th Grand Slam title for the Swiss star, who will be back at Wimbledon for the Olympic tournament, which starts on 28 July.
Serena Williams beat Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska in the women's final to claim her 14th Grand Slam singles title, and combined with sister Venus to win the doubles.
The Williams sisters will team-up again at the Olympics to defend their doubles title.
ATHLETICS
Tyson Gay beats Gatlin in Paris
Tyson Gay recovered from a poor start to pip fellow American Justin Gatlin and win the Diamond League 100m in Paris in 9.99 seconds.
Gay, beaten by Gatlin at the recent US Olympic trials, came through powerfully ahead of Gatlin, who clocked 10.03, and Frenchman Christophe Lemaitre in 10.08.
There was an encouraging run from world champion Dai Greene in the 400m hurdles; he set a new personal best of 47.84 seconds to take silver behind Javier Culson.
Christine Ohuruogu ran a season's best 50.59s to finish fourth in the 400m as world champion Amantle Montsho won in 49.77s.
FOOTBALL
Ryan Giggs“It's a tremendous honour to be captain”
Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs has been named as Great Britain captain for the Olympics.
Coach Stuart Pearce said a number of players were capable of the role, but Giggs was the "standout captain" in his 18-man London 2012 squad.
"He's got the respect of all the members of the group," said Pearce, whose side face Senegal at Old Trafford in their opening game on 26 July.
Casey Stoney has been named the Team GB women's captain by manager Hope Powell.
CYCLING
Emma Pooley
Britain's Emma Pooley warmed up for the Olympics by finishing runner-up in the women's Giro d'Italia - the Giro Donne - for the second year in a row.
Pooley, who will ride the time trial and the road race in London, also topped the mountains classification.
Dutch rider Marianne Vos took overall victory for a second straight year to confirm her as favourite going into the Olympics.
Nicole Cooke - the only British rider to have won the prestigious Italian race, in 2004 - came 44th, over an hour adrift of Vos.
EQUESTRIAN
GB gold medal hopeful Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro
Charlotte Dujardin showed she is a contender for dressage gold at the Olympics with a sensational performance at the Hartpury International in Gloucestershire.
The 25-year-old became the first British rider to break the 90% barrier for a freestyle routine in international competition as she scored a runaway victory.
Performing her Olympic freestyle to music routine on her horse Valegro, composed especially for her by Tom Hunt, she was awarded 90.65%.
That broke the previous British record held by Laura Bechtolsheimer, who is also competing at London 2012.
WATER POLO
Great Britain's men were given a harsh reminder of the task they face at the Olympics after losing all four matches at the Dublin Cup.
The Olympic warm-up tournament featured several of GB's Olympic opponents, including world and Olympic champions Hungary, who beat GB 13-8 in the opening game.
That was an encouraging start for Britain against a team who are going for a fourth consecutive Olympic gold in London.
But three more defeats followed, including a 17-7 loss to Romania, who they play in their opening match at the Olympics on 29 July.
The Dublin Cup was won by Croatia.
BASKETBALL
Nigeria celebrate Olympic qualification
Nigeria will make their Olympic basketball debut in London after their men beat the Dominican Republic 88-73 in a decisive qualifier on Sunday.
Having arrived in Venezuela as complete underdogs in the 12-team tournament offering three London berths, Nigeria joined Russia and Lithuania in clinching an Olympic place.
Nigeria's forward Derrick Obasohan said: "We had the toughest schedule in the tournament but nothing was going to stop us because we were on a mission."
In London, they will face favourites USA among others in Group A, while Russia will begin their Olympic campaign against hosts Britain in Group B.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
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