Oversight
Analysis: Has the IRS Hit Bottom?
Every year, the IRS annual report is an opportunity to measure how effectively the U.S. government has sabotaged its own ability to enforce its tax laws. This year’s report signals historic lows for U.S. tax enforcement.
Oversight
Senate Investigation Criticizes the IRS for Failing to Oversee Free Filing Program
Millions of Americans have spent billions on TurboTax and other tax prep that they shouldn’t have. The Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations recommends the IRS advertise the free filing option.
Management
IRS Is Letting Some of the Highest-Income Americans Get Away Without Paying Taxes
Hundreds of thousands of high-income Americans are not filing taxes with impunity, despite collectively owing $46 billion over three years.
Workforce
Thousands of IRS Employees Are Currently Home With Pay, But Not Working
Agency faces major logistical challenges after massive stimulus package, but union says tens of thousands of employees cannot work remotely.
Management
Questions Linger Over How the IRS Will Distribute Stimulus Checks
Former officials said the agency will face a challenge in getting the money to the right place quickly.
Management
Former IRS Executive Named Permanent National Taxpayer Advocate
The appointment comes at the height of the busy tax filing season.
Management
IRS Chief Acknowledges Budget Constraints, But Says He Is Confident the Agency Can Handle Tax Season
Two advantages over last year are that the agency is not recovering from a shutdown or implementing a new tax law, former commissioners note.
Tech
Who’s Afraid of the IRS? Not Facebook.
The social media behemoth is about to face off with the tax agency in a rare trial to capture billions that the IRS thinks Facebook owes. But onerous budget cuts have hamstrung the agency’s ability to bring the case.
Management
The IRS Decided to Get Tough Against Microsoft. Microsoft Got Tougher.
For years, the company has moved billions in profits to Puerto Rico to avoid taxes. When the IRS pushed it to pay, Microsoft protested that the agency wasn’t being nice. Then it aggressively fought back in court, lobbied Congress and changed the law.
Oversight
IRS Reforms Free File Program, Drops Agreement Not to Compete With TurboTax
The changes come after ProPublica’s reporting showed how TurboTax maker Intuit tricked customers into paying for tax prep they could have gotten for free.
Management
The IRS Tried to Hide Emails That Show Tax Industry Influence Over Free File Program
After ProPublica sued the IRS, the agency released emails that show it has allowed the tax preparation industry to write the rules.
Management
Report: IRS Should Have an Official In Charge of Customer Experience
The agency could also improve its website and share more feedback, analysts conclude in first-of-its-kind report.
Management
Shutdown’s Damage to IRS Morale and Customer Service Will Linger, Study Finds
The appropriations lapse occurred during filing season, the agency’s busiest time of year, and will affect next year’s filing season as well.
Oversight
Thousands of IRS Employees Are Working Outside Jobs That Risk Conflicts of Interest
In 2016, 167 employees had potentially prohibited second jobs and 2,196 were at high-risk for conflict of interest.
Management
Hundreds of Thousands of Delinquent Taxpayers Could Have Their Passports Revoked
The IRS is cracking down on tax scofflaws, but some experts worry the agency is bypassing due process.
Management
Shutdown Had Deep Financial and Mental Health Impact on IRS Workers, Study Finds
Researchers are examining the impact of the 35-day shutdown on a Utah community with a high concentration of federal employees.
Management
IRS Staffs Up As a Result of Disputed Private Debt Collection Program
With revenue projected to double, 200 specialized workers will be hired.
Management
Taxpayer Advocate Details Shutdown's Impact in Her Final Report
Retiring Nina Olson cites harm to customer service as well as staff training.
Tech
IRS Advisory Panel Pushes Anti-Fraud Tools, Praises Staff Handling of Shutdown
Specialists recommend boosting private-sector partnership to thwart identity theft.
Management