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Department of Revenue outlines tax season timeline and fraud controls
Summary
The Department of Revenue briefed the committee on the tax season kickoff, said electronic filing comprises about 95% of returns, warned that paper filings can delay refunds by roughly a month, and described fraud screening protocols and an ongoing IRS audit of security procedures.
An official from the Department of Revenue told the committee that the agency kicked off the tax season and expects to begin processing returns on February 2. The department said roughly 95% of taxpayers file electronically and encouraged remaining paper filers to switch to online filing to avoid delays; paper returns can add about a month to refund timing.
The department described vendor‑assisted fraud screening and automated checks for anomalous returns; representatives said fraud investigations can extend refund processing to eight or nine weeks when further review is required. The department also said the IRS was conducting a security audit that began on Monday and will run for roughly a week and a half to evaluate the agency’s information security and fraud‑prevention controls.
The presenter reported that the department collected about $21,000,000,000 last year and asked the committee to maintain current funding levels rather than seek new budget items at this hearing.
