Shedding light on tax administration through FOIA

In this episode of the SALT Shaker Podcast, hosts and Partners Jeremy Gove and Chelsea Marmor welcome Lauren Loricchio, Investigations Editor at Tax Notes, to discuss the publication's long‑standing commitment to government transparency and access to primary tax materials. Lauren traces the origins of Tax Notes back to its 1972 lawsuit against the IRS, which paved the way for public access to the Service's private letter rulings. She explains how her team continues that mission through its newly launched monthly newsletter, FOIA Findings, which uses the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and other open records laws to shed light on tax policy and tax administration. Their discussion explores the realities of the FOIA process – including delays, redactions, and litigation – and why access to original source material remains critical for tax practitioners, academics, and others monitoring tax administration and enforcement. The episode wraps up with a seasonal overrated/underrated segment: What are your thoughts on wearing shorts? For questions or comments, email [email protected]. Subscribe to receive regular updates hosted on the SALT Shaker blog.