Top IRS officials have been working with Democrats on Capitol Hill to determine how the agency will enforce President Obama’s new health care law. Republican lawmakers estimate the legislation will require the hiring of many thousands of new tax enforcement agents.

While it’s still not known exactly how many will be hired, here’s what’s clear: Under the new law, the IRS is required to fine taxpayers thousands of dollars if they do not purchase health insurance. In order for the government to enforce compliance, tax authorities will need information, for the first time, about people’s health care. Collecting that data will require more IRS personnel.

(Captain, Doctor, do you both concur?)

A March 18 report from House Ways & Means Committee Republicans estimates the IRS will need to hire between 11,800 and 16,500 new agents to enforce the bill.

The report slams the bill’s “plans to grant massive new powers to the IRS, backed up by billions of dollars in additional taxpayer funding for the hiring of thousands of new IRS agents, examiners, and other personnel.”

(First Officer Spock, your opinion?)

Read the full story (one of many) here. And guess what? This is an open thread.

Rodan Note: Today is the 1 Year Anniversary of Table9.  Please come Join Rose and other former Lizard Lounge Netizens in a celebration!