Rep. Vasquez Calls for Stronger Consumer Protections and Introduces Bold Tax Relief Package to Counter Tariffs and Inflation Ahead of Tax Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As Tax Day approaches, Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) is taking action to protect working families in New Mexico by introducing a bold tax relief package and demanding the Treasury Department deliver timely tax refunds to New Mexicans following significant staffing cuts at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

In a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent this week, Vasquez criticized the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for terminating thousands of IRS employees responsible for processing tax returns, managing payment systems, and supporting taxpayers. Vasquez warned that these cuts are already causing further delays when many New Mexicans rely on their tax refunds to make ends meet.

“Working families in my district are living paycheck to paycheck. Delaying their tax refunds because a billionaire bureaucrat decided to gut the IRS is unacceptable,” said Vasquez. “This money helps parents pay rent, cover medical bills, buy groceries, and pay down debt.”

To ensure families receive the relief they need—not just this year, but every year—Vasquez is also introducing a three-part tax relief package:

• The Boost the Middle Class Act will expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by 10 percent and require annual adjustments to keep up with inflation. A working family of five in New Mexico could receive up to $8,613 under the new EITC guidelines.
  
   
• The Tax Relief from Tariffs and High Costs Act provides a 10 percent fully refundable tax credit for individuals making under $100,000 or married couples making under $200,000—putting more money directly into the pockets of working families to stimulate local economies.
  
   
• The Honor and Hire Veterans Act increases the tax credit for businesses that hire veterans—raising the cap and wage credit percentages through the existing Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC).

Vasquez also reiterated his call for the IRS to halt further cuts and immediately implement a plan to deliver timely, accurate refunds. His office has assisted dozens of constituents with IRS issues this year—including one man who had waited three years for a $10,000 refund.

Rep. Vasquez encourages constituents to file their taxes promptly and reach out to his office for assistance with any IRS-related issues.

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