Tech
Hill Dems question IRS on identity verification requirements for Direct File
Taxpayers had to go through outsourced identity verification to use Direct File during the last tax season, a level of assurance the lawmakers note is not required for commercial tax prep companies.
Management
Bipartisan Senate duo seeks to push IRS customer service forward
The tax agency is already working on some of the items in the bill — like improving online accounts.
Tech
IRS delay on key system could cost up to $70 million
The IRS had been considering switching to a new system for core, individual tax processing, but it’s waiting to do so until after the coming tax season.
Oversight
36% of new IRS hires faced delays due to technical and security clearance jams
Despite hiring 64% of its new employees in fiscal 2022 and 2023 within its 80-day goal, it took the IRS an average of 124 days to employ roughly 19,000 personnel due, in part, to system limitations.
Oversight
IRS workforce is more diverse than the national civilian labor force. So why is GAO criticizing the tax agency’s DEI programs?
A new GAO report found that women, employees from historically disadvantaged racial or ethnic groups and persons with disabilities were underrepresented in senior levels at the agency.
Management
A Management Agenda for 2025 and beyond: Pivoting from outcomes to results
COMMENTARY | When it comes to creating a government that solves the country’s big problems, the people just don’t believe it’s happening. Here’s how to fix that.
Oversight
IRS is behind on Biden policy to not increase audits for households under $400K
TIGTA reports that the IRS has not developed a methodology to comply with a 2022 directive that bars IRA funding from being used to increase audits on households earning $400,000 or less annually.
Tech
IRS is flying blind without plans to modernize legacy tech, watchdog says
This isn’t the first time the IRS has been called out by oversight officials for a lack of detailed technology planning.
Oversight
IRS program to assist poor taxpayers rarely picks up the phone
TIGTA investigators were unable to leave a message at 16 local Taxpayer Advocate Service offices because their voicemail boxes were full.
Tech
Treasury’s funding request for IRS cloud tech far outpaces other civilian agencies, report says
Treasury’s request is the largest out of a combined federal civilian total of almost $9 billion for cloud-related programs in their fiscal year 2025 IT budget requests.
Oversight
IRS services for underserved taxpayers are good but can be better, report says
While the IRS has focused on improving customer service for underserved taxpayers, TIGTA noted that the tax agency doesn’t currently have a definition for such taxpayers.
Oversight
Tax audits for some millionaires may be more effective than targeting a wider range, report finds
The TIGTA report compared a 2020 IRS directive that required annual audits on some individuals making more than $10 million to a wider income range, finding that the former yielded more assessments.
Tech
What it will take to make Direct File permanent
The IRS will have to grapple with expanding access and capabilities — while also convincing skeptical lawmakers to maintain funding.
Oversight
IRS is reducing its physical footprint but needs a better long-term plan, its IG says
The IRS has reduced its office space by 2 million square feet since fiscal 2018, but the watchdog said it could save millions in real estate costs with additional steps.
Tech
IRS makes Direct File permanent
The tool piloted during the recent tax season helped certain taxpayers file online with the government for free.
Workforce
IRS wants tax training focused on big filers
The agency seeks better training and access to tax law expertise regarding large organizations and wealthy individuals.
Management
IRS chief pleads for another funding boost to skeptical lawmakers
Commissioner says recent successful tax season is unsustainable without more cash to sustain resources.
Workforce
IRS says layoffs possibly by 2026 without sustained funding boost
The tax agency plans to grow its workforce another 14% in the coming years, but such growth could prove unsustainable.
Tech
IRS considers the future of its Direct File pilot
The agency hasn’t decided if it’ll field the program long term but does say that user feedback of the tool has largely been positive.
Management
Bipartisan group looks to push IRS towards simpler math error notices
The IRS MATH Act would require the tax agency to send more specific, straightforward notices when it corrects simple math errors on tax returns.
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