Longtime Tax Watchdog J. Russell George Dies After Illness

Bloomberg, Longtime Tax Watchdog J. Russell George Dies After Illness:

J. Russell George, who served as a key IRS watchdog for nearly two decades, most notably during the 2013 controversy over groups’ applications for tax-exempt status—died earlier this week after a lengthy illness.

George had served as the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration since 2004, after being nominated by then-President George W. Bush and confirmed by the Senate. His death was announced Wednesday by Acting Inspector General Heather Hill. ...

In May 2013, George’s office released what became a bombshell report finding that the IRS had subjected conservative groups’ applications for tax-exempt status to extra scrutiny and delays, triggering a political firestorm for the agency and the Obama administration. Democrats criticized George at the time for leaving out the fact that liberal groups also faced extra IRS scrutiny. George said he didn’t know about the scrutiny of progressive groups until after the initial report was released. ...

He grew up in New York City and earned his bachelor’s degree from Howard University and his law degree from Harvard University.

Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Acting Inspector General Heather M. Hill Announces Passing of the Honorable J. Russell George, Long-Serving Inspector General for Tax Administration