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IRS Modernization

 

The IRS is working to put service first. Taxpayers deserve top quality professional service from the IRS on each and every transaction, and we are changing to achieve this higher level of performance.

We refer to the process of fundamental change in our organization as "modernization," because it involves building on the essential components that made the IRS successful in the past while bringing them up to date in a way designed to achieve our new mission.


The New IRS

Taxpayer rights were considerably expanded in the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998.

To accomplish these objectives, the IRS developed a new mission statement and a set of guiding principles by which the IRS will conduct its tax administration activities.


The IRS Has Changed

A new IRS structure has been designed to include four operating divisions, organized around and fully responsible for four major customer segments:

Among the other principal IRS offices are:

  • Chief Counsel (Counsel)  Provides the correct legal interpretation and represents the IRS with complete impartiality, so that taxpayers know the law is being applied with integrity and fairness.

  • Appeals  Resolves tax controversies without litigation on a basis that is fair and impartial to both the taxpayer and the Government.

  • Taxpayer Advocate Service  Helps taxpayers resolve problems with the IRS and recommends changes to prevent the problems.

  • Criminal Investigation Division (CID)  Serves the American public by investigating potential criminal violations and financial crimes in a manner that fosters confidence in the tax system.

  • Communications & Liaison (C&L)  Provides IRS employees, legislative, executive, state, business, and professional stakeholders with a better understanding of the IRS mission and goals.

Developments

These documents mark milestones in the IRS modernization effort.

  • A Progress Report details IRS accomplishments during 2001. (PDF 2M)

  • A Progress Report on the Business Systems Modernization Program details progress made on BSM initiatives during Fiscal Year 2000. (PDF 956K)

  • The IRS Organization Blueprint provides a detailed plan for rebuilding the organizational structure and establishing management roles with clear responsibility (Apr. 2000). (PDF 2M)

  • Modernizing America's Tax Agency — Former Commissioner Rossotti's vision of the new IRS and how to get there (Jan. 2000).

  • Concept to Modernize the IRS — Former Commissioner Rossotti's testimony before the Senate Finance Committee (Jan. 28, 1998).
 


Page Last Reviewed or Updated: November 01, 2007