IRS chief: Agency lacked sensitivity in screenings

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The acting commissioner of the IRS says the agency was guilty of a "lack of sensitivity" in screenings of political groups seeking tax-exempt status.

Steven Miller said in an opinion piece in Tuesday's USA Today that there was — in his words — "a shortcut taken in our processes" for determining which groups needed special screening. He said the agency demonstrated "a lack of sensitivity to the implications of some of the decisions that were made."

Miller has emerged as a key figure in the controversy over the IRS' singling out of conservative political groups for extra scrutiny. President Barack Obama said Monday that if the agency intentionally targeted conservative groups, "that's outrageous and there's no place for it."

Miller said new procedures have been implemented.