HILL TAX BRIEFING: Treasury Take On Virus Relief Under Scrutiny

Treasury’s reading of the recent coronavirus relief laws drew swift criticism from lawmakers who argue its narrow interpretation of several provisions could keep individuals from accessing the aid they need.

That criticism is a sign of the struggle Treasury and IRS can face when trying to write guidance and implement changes lawmakers enact. It can put Treasury in a lose-lose situation—lawmakers will push back against interpretation that is too narrow or too generous.

“When I was at Treasury and we were writing regulations, sometimes Congress would hammer us,” said Tom West, a former Treasury official who now works as a ...