Federal contractors abuse the tax system with little consequence. Much of the tax abuse involved contractors not remitting to the government payroll taxes that were withheld from salaries. This report reviews the IRS¿s processes and procedures to prevent and collect unpaid payroll taxes and determines: (1) the magnitude of unpaid federal payroll tax debt; (2) the factors affecting IRS¿s ability to enforce compliance or pursue collections; and (3) whether some businesses with unpaid payroll taxes are engaged in abusive or potentially criminal activities with regard to the federal tax system. Charts and tables.

Federal contractors abuse the tax system with little consequence. Much of the tax abuse involved contractors not remitting to the government payroll taxes that were withheld from salaries. This report reviews the IRS¿s processes and procedures to prevent and collect unpaid payroll taxes. This report determines: (1) the magnitude of unpaid federal payroll tax debt; (2) the factors affecting IRS¿s ability to enforce compliance or pursue collections; and (3) whether some businesses with unpaid payroll taxes are engaged in abusive or potentially criminal activities with regard to the federal tax system. Includes recommendations. Charts and tables.