Protecting Americans’ Privacy Act of 2025

S 490, the Protecting Americans’ Privacy Act of 2025, restricts access to Treasury payment systems (like those managing public funds) to prevent unauthorized use of tax return information. It prohibits certain non-tenured federal employees, contractors with less than a year of service, and individuals with conflicts of interest from accessing these systems, with violations subject to civil lawsuits. The bill also amends tax law to explicitly forbid disclosing tax returns via these payment systems to restricted personnel, allowing affected taxpayers to seek $250,000 in damages per violation. It directly affects federal employees, contractors, and entities handling public funds, focusing on safeguarding taxpayer data through clear access rules and enforcement.