Policy
Senate Passes Bill to End Payments to Dead People
The bill follows an audit that found the IRS sent $1.4 billion in stimulus checks to deceased individuals.
Acquisition
CARES Act delivery hampered by old tech, bad data
Aspects of the federal government's economic response to the coronavirus pandemic were marred by outdated state technology software and a crushing volume of beneficiaries that overwhelmed many systems, according to a new report from the watchdog Government Accountability Office.
Digital Government
Federal CX in the age of COVID-19
Government agencies have also had to shift in significant ways to operate in this unique environment and interact with citizens differently.
Cybersecurity
Auditors Call on OMB to Ensure Agencies Coordinate on State Cybersecurity Requirements
State officials say duplicative and fragmented requests are sapping their resources.
Digital Government
Old tech can help IRS catch wealthy tax cheats
The IRS’ legacy tech is effective at flagging high-income taxpayers who skip filing, but a lack of staff and low prioritization is leaving billions on the table.
Cybersecurity
CDC, IRS and other federal sites spoofed in global phishing scams
New research from Proofpoint has identified numerous phishing email campaigns over the past two months, some of which impersonated and spoofed websites from federal agencies, international governments and public health organizations involved in COVID-19 relief.
Artificial Intelligence
Agencies Lean Into Automation During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Robotic process automation is accelerating across the National Institutes of Health, Internal Revenue Service and Housing and Urban Development Department.
Digital Government
Despite Reporting Improvements, IRS Continues to Issue Billions in Improper Payments
In one program alone, the IRS shelled out $17 billion in improper payments.
People
IRS recalls certain mission-critical employees for tax season
The tax agency is putting distancing measures into place and requiring employees to wear face coverings on the job.
Cybersecurity
Senators Call on IRS to Beef Up Fraud Prevention Efforts
Scammers are not taking days off during the pandemic, senators warn.
Cybersecurity
Treasury Secretary Says Electronic Stimulus Payments ‘More Secure,' But Are They?
Verifying the identity of people submitting personal information to IRS portals could be a challenge for the agency.
Digital Government
Coronavirus Response 'Likely' to Lead to IRS Backlogs, IG Says
Outstanding cases have already spiked due to shutdown, and now thousands of employees are home and not working.
People
Temporary Excused Paid Leave sounds good but is hard to come by
Feds with dependent care responsibilities that stretch them to the breaking point have a stopgap once leave options are exhausted, but many agencies are reluctant to put it in play.
Digital Government
Agencies look to digital financial outlets to disburse relief funds
As IRS and the Small Business Administration tap digital-only financial firms to assist in relief funding, concerns are emerging about cybersecurity vulnerabilities and fraud.
People
IRS outlines expanded flexible work schedule
The IRS, which is operating under an evacuation order that mandates telework for all eligible employees, released new guidance outlining its flexible work schedule policy.
Modernization
IRS Legacy Technology Costs the Country ‘Billions,’ IG Says
The IRS isn’t capitalizing on its cloud strategy as it should be.
Emerging Tech
Pilot IRS to Return with New Focus Areas and Significantly More Funding
In the next three to six months, the IRS plans to issue new solicitations through its experimental contracting vehicle.
People
IRS wants $300 million for IT modernization in 2021
The agency is planning IT modernization and security initiatives while also adding more than 100 new special agents focused on cybercrime and virtual currencies.
Digital Government
GAO Calls Out IRS’ Taxpayer Experience Issues
The 2019 tax filing season was more problematic than usual for IRS.
Modernization
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.
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