The same day that journalist Matt Taibbi testified before Congress in Washington, D.C. an IRS agent showed up unannounced at his New Jersey home, he said.
Taibbi was personally involved in revealing the Twitter Files, or installments of behind-the-scenes documents, which new Twitter CEO Elon Musk provided to show how the social media platform previously censored content and users.
Taibbi testified before the newly Republican-created Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government about what he learned about Twitter on March 9, the same day an IRS agent made an unusual visit to his home.
Michael Shellenberger, who was also involved with Musk and Twitter, said it was an amazing coincidence.
Musk said in a tweet Monday evening that it was very odd. Several other users highlighted the actions as suspect and far from a coincidence.
Members of Congress chimed in as well.
This stinks to high heaven. The IRS has a history of targeting the political enemies of Democrats, according to Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas.
The Chair of the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, also the House Judiciary Chairman, sent a pair of letters Monday to try and get answers.
The letters went to IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and said the committee wants to see documents or communications relating to the authorized visit to Taibbi's home.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the agent left a note instructing Taibbi to call the IRS. Taibbi was told that his 2018 and 2021 tax returns had been rejected, but the IRS did not explain why they visited the home in person rather than an electronic notice.
When did the IRS send agents for surprise house calls? When the IRS challenges a part of a tax return, it sends a dunning letter. It might ask for more information from the taxpayer or tax preparer. If the IRS wants to audit a return, it schedules a meeting at the agent's office. The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board wrote that it doesn't drop by unannounced.
The subcommittee meeting was held at 10 a.m. March 9 at Rayburn House Office Building.