Issues at the IRS Highlight Professional Vulnerabilities for Federal Managers
Employees for agencies that deal with matters involving interactions with the public know that once any sort of allegation has broken through into the national news cycle, the media attention can spur Congressional investigations, agency investigations, and public outrage. Recently, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has come under fire for alleged unsatisfactory performance. Reports showing that currently only 10 percent of taxpayers’ phone calls to the IRS are being answered have spurred allegations that the agency is mismanaged and the decision-making of IRS leadership is being driven by partisan agendas. No matter where these allegations lead, good federal managers are bound to get caught up in the controversy.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told Congress that the alleged inefficiency of the IRS is not a reflection of federal employees, but rather of the fact that the IRS is generally under-resourced. According to Secretary Yellen, the agency has essentially the same number of employees as they had 40 years ago, and they have been operating with the same technology that was implemented in the 1960s. Despite the reported issues of underfunding and understaffing within the IRS, politicians and the public alike are looking for somewhere to place blame. Because the IRS works closely with businesses, other federal agencies, and individuals, pressure to hold someone accountable is coming from all angles. Oftentimes, undue blame falls on federal managers and supervisors, regardless of their level of involvement in the issues at hand. If this happens, it is imperative that federal employees have effective, knowledgeable, and affordable counsel on their side. A FEDS Protection professional liability insurance (PLI) policy will defend you against allegations arising from acts, errors, or omissions made in the scope of your federal employment.
Federal managers can protect themselves with a FEDS Protection PLI policy. FEDS Protection offers policies with $1 million, $2 million, or $3 million in civil liability protection for attorney’s fees and indemnity costs in the event you are sued in your civil capacity for actions taken within the scope of your employment. Our policy also includes $200,000 of legal representation coverage per incident for administrative actions, including employment practices actions, and $100,000 of coverage for criminal defense costs arising out of actions taken within the scope of your employment. Annual premiums for FEDS Protection PLI start at $290, which is less than it would typically cost to hire a federal employment lawyer for an hour. Additionally, federal managers are eligible for a reimbursement of up to 50% of the cost of their PLI policy through their agency.
To learn more about FEDS Protection, and how a FEDS professional liability insurance policy can protect you and your career, visit fedsprotection.com or call (866) 955-FEDS, Monday through Friday 8:30 am-6 pm, to speak directly to a representative.
*This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.