[PJ] WASHINGTON -- IRS Commissioner John Koskinen told a congressional committee Wednesday that a flat tax would save the IRS "a lot" of money in its annual budget, calling it a "sea change" in the way the agency would operate.Koskinen also explained that every individual who files a tax return using an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) and not a Social Security number is not an illegal immigrant.
He cautioned the committee that reporting illegal immigrants to other federal agencies would "discourage" them from paying taxes.
According to the IRS website, the agency "issues ITINs to foreign nationals and others who have federal tax reporting or filing requirements and do not qualify for Social Security numbers (SSNs). A non-resident alien individual not eligible for a SSN who is required to file a U.S. tax return only to claim a refund of tax under the provisions of a U.S. tax treaty needs an ITIN."
Rep. Dave Brat (R-Va.) asked Koskinen if he thinks the U.S. has a tax system that treats individuals fairly.