Hunter Biden Initiates Legal Action Against IRS Over Public Disclosure of Tax Information Following Congressional Testimony from Agents

Hunter Biden has filed a lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service, contending that two agents inappropriately disclosed his private tax-related information. This development arises as both legal and political tensions escalate, notably in the context of the forthcoming 2024 presidential election.

The lawsuit alleges that the agents “singled out and aimed to publicly disgrace Mr. Biden” by discussing his confidential tax details in media interviews and while testifying before Congress. The legal team representing Biden argues that these actions are not protected under whistleblower laws. In response, an attorney for one of the agents asserts that the shared confidential data was disclosed under lawful whistleblower provisions, labeling the lawsuit as a “groundless defamation.”

This lawsuit constitutes the latest in a series of legal retaliations by Biden as a protracted federal inquiry into his activities continues, set against a politically charged environment that includes an impeachment inquiry targeting his father, President Joe Biden, for purported connections to his son’s business activities.

“The IRS is mandated to ensure that Mr. Biden, like all American citizens, fulfills his tax responsibilities,” the lawsuit states. “However, Mr. Biden’s rights should not be compromised any more than those of any other American citizen, regardless of his familial connections.”

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The legal action contends that the IRS has not taken adequate measures to stop the unauthorized public airing of his private information and seeks both “enforcement of federal tax and privacy statutes” and $1,000 in damages for each unauthorized disclosure.

IRS Supervisory Special Agent Greg Shapley and another agent, Joe Ziegler, testified before Congress, alleging a pattern of dilatory tactics in the investigation into Hunter Biden. They further claimed that U.S. Attorney for Delaware David Weiss lacked full jurisdictional authority to level charges in other regions. Both Weiss and the Department of Justice have refuted these allegations.

Legal counsel for Shapley describes the lawsuit as a “baseless defamation” intended to “dissuade present and prospective whistleblowers.” The attorney argues that any confidential tax information divulged was made through lawful whistleblower channels. “Upon its release by Congress, like any American, he is free to discuss that information which has become public,” the attorney stated.

Ziegler’s legal representation states that he will “persist in voicing concerns” regarding what he perceives as “preferential treatment” given to Hunter Biden during the ongoing investigation.

The Republican-majority House Oversight Committee praised both agents as “upstanding citizens acting in the nation’s best interest,” in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. Both agents testified before this committee in July, affirming that their “investigation will persist.”

The IRS refrained from commenting on the matter, citing ongoing litigation.

The White House has reiterated that President Joe Biden has no involvement in his son’s business engagements. Despite extensive inquiries, no substantial evidence implicating the senior Biden has emerged.

The long-standing investigation into Hunter Biden saw a failed plea agreement earlier this summer, where he had been expected to plead guilty to misdemeanor charges related to delayed tax payments. However, the agreement fell apart during a court hearing in July, leading to his recent indictment on federal firearm-related charges.

The Republican opposition has scrutinized virtually all facets of his business transactions, criticizing the failed plea deal as overly lenient.

Biden’s defense team has indicated its intention to contest the charges, potentially setting the stage for a high-profile court trial.

The recently filed civil lawsuit in Washington D.C. alleges unauthorized disclosures, specifying the particular tax years under investigation, as well as detailing deductions and liability claims.

Last month, Weiss secured special counsel status, providing him expanded powers to investigate and disclose his findings. His legal team has hinted at the possibility of filing additional tax-related charges in either Washington D.C. or California.

Contributions to this report were made by Big Big News journalist Fatima Hussein.

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More about Hunter Biden lawsuit against IRS

• Hunter Biden’s Legal Battles
• IRS Whistleblower Policies
• Impeachment Inquiry Against President Joe Biden
• U.S. Federal Tax and Privacy Laws
• Ongoing Federal Investigation into Hunter Biden
• House Oversight Committee Statements
• Statements from the White House on Hunter Biden
• Special Counsel Status in U.S. Legal System
• Whistleblower Protections Under U.S. Law
• Political Context of 2024 Presidential Election