Tax Administration:
How IRS' Philadelphia Service Center Is Addressing Processing Problems
GGD-86-60BR: Published: Mar 14, 1986. Publicly Released: Mar 14, 1986.
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Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the activities of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) service centers, in particular, the Philadelphia Service Center, to: (1) develop information on problems experienced in 1985; (2) identify actions taken to prevent recurrence in 1986; and (3) comment on the status of service center operations during the 1986 processing season.
GAO found that, in 1986, the center had: (1) processed more returns and issued more refunds; (2) more computer capacity and more efficient computer programs; and (3) more staff increases and training improvements. However, despite the improvements, GAO identified two areas requiring attention, including: (1) implementation of adequate procedures and controls to ensure timely processing of computer tapes; and (2) the impact of backlog inventory levels on service center resources and service. IRS indicated that all of the service centers encountered problems during 1985 and, although some of the problems were due to insufficient computer capacity, other problems might have been due to operational inefficiencies. IRS organized a task force to study the structure, functional responsibilities, and management of its computer branch organizations. The task force recommended a reorganization that would provide: (1) managerial oversight of computer operations at all times; and (2) the necessary support functions on a continuous basis through the creation of teams which would staff the systems on 4-hour shifts. GAO believes that: (1) the reorganization seems to be an appropriate step toward improving the effectiveness of the service centers' operations, but GAO could not assess the reorganization until it was fully staffed and had time to function; and (2) the task force recommendations adequately addressed the issues.
Jan 30, 2018
Tax Fraud and Noncompliance:
IRS Can Strengthen Pre-refund Verification and Explore More UsesGAO-18-224: Published: Jan 30, 2018. Publicly Released: Jan 30, 2018.
Dec 20, 2017
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Tax Information Returns:
Shared Service Centers Generally Transmitted Federal Wage and Tax Data on Time for Tax Year 2016GAO-18-90R: Published: Nov 20, 2017. Publicly Released: Dec 20, 2017.
Dec 18, 2017
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Sales Taxes:
States Could Gain Revenue from Expanded Authority, but Businesses Are Likely to Experience Compliance CostsGAO-18-114: Published: Nov 16, 2017. Publicly Released: Dec 18, 2017.
Nov 30, 2017
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Tax Gap:
IRS Needs Specific Goals and Strategies for Improving ComplianceGAO-18-39: Published: Oct 31, 2017. Publicly Released: Nov 30, 2017.
Nov 28, 2017
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Identity Theft:
Improved Collaboration Could Increase Success of IRS Initiatives to Prevent Refund FraudGAO-18-20: Published: Nov 28, 2017. Publicly Released: Nov 28, 2017.
Sep 6, 2017
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Affordable Care Act:
IRS Should Mitigate Limitations of Data to Be Used for the Age and Gender Adjustment for the Tax on High-cost Health PlansGAO-17-661: Published: Sep 6, 2017. Publicly Released: Sep 6, 2017.
May 18, 2017
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Employment Taxes:
Timely Use of National Research Program Results Would Help IRS Improve Compliance and Tax Gap EstimatesGAO-17-371: Published: Apr 18, 2017. Publicly Released: May 18, 2017.
May 17, 2017
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Management Report:
Improvements Are Needed to Enhance the Internal Revenue Service's Internal Control over Financial ReportingGAO-17-454R: Published: May 17, 2017. Publicly Released: May 17, 2017.
Apr 27, 2017
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IRS Return Selection:
Improved Planning, Internal Controls, and Data Would Enhance Large Business Division Efforts to Implement New Compliance ApproachGAO-17-324: Published: Mar 28, 2017. Publicly Released: Apr 27, 2017.
Apr 26, 2017
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2017 Filing Season:
New Wage Verification Process Holds Promise but IRS Faced Implementation ChallengesGAO-17-525T: Published: Apr 26, 2017. Publicly Released: Apr 26, 2017.
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