Tax Disputes

Howard Stern is in the clear for broadcasting a taxpayer’s data over the radio. But the Revenue Service doesn’t fare as well. A woman who called the agency for help with her tax account spoke with an employee who was on hold on another line with the Howard Stern radio show. While she and the worker reviewed her tax matters, the show picked up the call and aired the phone conversation without her knowledge. She then sued IRS and Stern for publicly airing her personal and tax information. A district court has now thrown out her case against Stern (Barrigas, D.C., Mass.). Her claim against IRS for improper disclosure of tax information can proceed.