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
House Passes Revamped Bipartisan IRS Reform Bill
The Taxpayer First Act would redesign the agency and boost identity theft protection.
Management
Congress Scraps Provision to Restrict IRS From Competing With TurboTax
The change comes after ProPublica highlighted the deceptive marketing practices of Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, and other major tax prep companies.
Management
The IRS Now Audits Poor Americans at About the Same Rate as the Top 1%
As the agency’s ability to audit the rich crumbles, its scrutiny of the poor has held steady in recent years. Meanwhile, a new study shows that audits of poor taxpayers make them far less likely to claim credits they might be entitled to.
Management
TurboTax Uses a 'Military Discount" to Trick Troops Into Paying to File Their Taxes
Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, created and promoted a “military discount” that charges service members who are eligible to file for free.
Management
Agencies Agree to Do More to Identify Contractors With Tax Debts
GAO tells contracting officers to keep a closer eye, and IRS and GSA agree.
Management
IRS Is Advised to Get Its Financial House in Order
GAO updates its long-standing critique of internal auditing deficiencies.
Management
Senior IRS Leaders Launch Review of Agency’s Partnership With TurboTax and H&R Block
Both the IRS and its inspector general are investigating the partnership with the tax software industry in response to ProPublica’s reporting.
Pay & Benefits
IRS Doesn't Fire Its Tax-Delinquent Employees as the Law Requires
Agency managers follow through on the requirement in only 7% of cases.
Management
How the IRS Gave Up Fighting Political Dark Money Groups
Six years after it was excoriated for allegedly targeting conservative organizations, the agency has largely given up on regulating an entire category of nonprofits. The result: More dark money gushes into the political system.
Management