Management
Taxpayer advocate highlights challenges for legit taxpayers tagged as fraudsters by the IRS
The only online remediation option for people whose tax returns have been flagged as potential identity theft is through vendor ID.me.
Workforce
Using special funding and authorities, some agencies are finding big success in growing their workforces
The Biden administration is growing some workforces to previously unseen levels.
Oversight
How the IRS accidentally tagged thousands of taxpayers as dead
The IRS confirmed that 6,821 tax accounts were marked as deceased and locked — meaning that the agency wouldn’t process the tax returns associated with it — when the person was, in fact, alive.
Oversight
Maui wildfires: Extra logistical challenges hinder government’s initial response when disasters strike islands
How the U.S. government responds to disasters like these and how Maui’s geography could interfere with aid delivery.
Oversight
GAO: IRS must enhance cyber oversight of third-party vendors, modernize online services
The IRS continues to ignore GAO’s recommendation to streamline oversight of third-party tax vendors’ cyber practices, despite concerns about mitigating digital threats.
Pay & Benefits
IRS needs to significantly ramp up use of bonus pay incentives, IG says
To meet its ambitious staffing goals, watchdog says IRS must start doling out cash.
Tech
IRS seeks states’ input on its direct file pilot
States have until Sept. 4 to tell the IRS if they’re interested in participating.
Tech
IRS needs better documentation for its cyber threat hunts, watchdog says
A new report noted that a lack of “established policies and procedures” could prevent the tax agency from meeting federal requirements.
Workforce
IRS announces the end of most surprise taxpayer visits
The change, effective immediately, comes due to concern for the safety of IRS employees and to make it easier for taxpayers to identify potential scammers.
Management
Republicans look to eliminate armed law enforcement at some agencies
While only a small number of employees, conservative lawmakers say the officers infringe on Americans' rights.
Management
Budget and Tech Challenges Loom Over IRS's Direct File Pilot
The news of the forthcoming pilot was followed this week by a compromise debt ceiling bill that includes reallocating $20 billion of the funding the IRS got as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.
Tech
GAO Identifies New Information Security Deficiencies in IRS System Controls
The watchdog's annual audit of the agency turned up new recommendations on system access controls and security configurations, alongside a limited release report and previous recommendations.
Tech
The IRS Will Test a Government-Run Free File System in 2024
The move could presage the large-scale deployment of free, government-furnished online tax prep services.
Workforce
The IRS Answered 2.4M More Taxpayer Phone Calls During 2023 Filing Season
Inflation Reduction Act funding paid dividends for the IRS during the 2023 tax filing season.
Management
Why Is Tax Day on April 18 This Year? and How Did Early Spring Become Tax Season, Anyhow?
The federal government wanted to give taxpayers a couple months to prepare the year’s taxes. But as filing became more complex, the date was pushed back.
Tech
Taxpayer Data Is at Risk Due to Cybersecurity Deficiencies at IRS, a Report Warns
An annual assessment of the IRS' information technology program alleges critical cybersecurity deficiencies in the agency's handling of taxpayer data privacy.
Workforce
IRS Strategic Plan Vows to Amp Up Audits of the Rich
With $80 billion in new funding, the previously gutted agency pledged to renew its pursuit of wealthy tax dodgers and address a number of problems that ProPublica has been reporting on in recent years.
Workforce
IRS to Hire 30,000 Employees Over the Next Two Years
Biden administration lays out the full spending plan for its new $80 billion cash infusion.
Management
New IRS Chief: Growing the Workforce Will Transform Agency ‘Armed Only With Their Calculators’
As a new commissioner is sworn in, the Biden administration will detail its $80 billion IRS spending plan this week.
Tech