Tax Administration: IRS' 1990 Filing Season Performance Continued Recent Positive Trends
GGD-91-23
Published: Dec 27, 1990. Publicly Released: Dec 27, 1990.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO assessed the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) performance during the 1990 tax return filing season, focusing on the: (1) accuracy and accessibility of its toll-free telephone assistance program; (2) availability of tax materials at its distribution centers and walk-in offices; and (3) processing of returns and related refunds.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Revenue Service | IRS should develop and implement a statistically valid survey of its ability to fill phone and mail orders. The survey should: (1) correct the problems that GAO identified with the 1990 test; (2) include measures that are consistent from year to year, thus allowing measurement of performance over time; and (3) provide the basis for establishing annual goals. |
Closed – Implemented
IRS has revised its survey. In a report on the 1991 tax return filing season, GAO reported that it had assessed the new testing procedures and had concluded that the revised methodology provided an accurate assessment of the tax material distribution program's performance. (See GAO/GGD-91-98, June 28, 1991).
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