Recognizing that risk is inherent to the operations of any organization, the IRS actively identifies and manages risk to the nation’s tax administration system, with a focus on those that affect our mission. The IRS is committed to preventing and mitigating risk exposure, particularly in areas that could affect our ability to: administer the tax law fairly and with integrity, protect taxpayer rights and data, guard and maintain our technology infrastructure, serve as a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars and provide an inclusive, safe and secure workplace. We acknowledge that risk is always a part of decision-making, so we use thoughtful analysis to determine the level of risk we are willing to accept. We are willing to accept higher risk levels when pursuing transformative innovation or during certain critical periods, such as times of crises or when faced with the need to expeditiously implement critical legislation. In these instances, the IRS documents the rationale used in accepting the additional risk exposure. Goal 1: Service Provide quality and accessible services to enhance the taxpayer experience. The IRS is committed to providing high-quality taxpayer service; however, the IRS maintains a low appetite for activities that endanger taxpayer privacy or put taxpayer data at risk, and continues to implement safeguards to protect data and privacy. We will explore implementing innovative practices that increase communication with taxpayers, recognizing that this may introduce additional risk, in order to address the needs of underserved and multilingual communities. Goal 2: Enforcement Enforce the tax law fairly and efficiently to increase voluntary compliance and narrow the tax gap. The IRS continues to enhance its enforcement capabilities and strategies to efficiently identify, prioritize and respond to non-compliance, including becoming more vigilant and responsive to non-compliance methods as they evolve. The IRS recognizes that fraud can’t be completely avoided, but maintains a low appetite for intentional non-compliance. As the IRS continues to prioritize the prevention of fraudulent activities and non-compliance, we are willing to explore innovative and assertive measures to combat emerging fraud schemes where risk may exist. Goal 3: People Foster an inclusive, diverse and well-equipped workforce and strengthen relationships with our external partners. The IRS is committed to providing an inclusive, safe and secure workplace and has a low appetite for activity that increases risk exposure in this area. The IRS is willing to accept additional risk as we embrace innovation in developing training, tools and processes that empower the workforce, improve the employee experience and maximize service delivery. The IRS is willing to expand our network of trusted partners to be agile and flexible in the delivery of our mission, but we have a low appetite for added risk exposure associated with data security. Goal 4: Transformation Transform IRS operations to become more resilient, agile and responsive to improve the taxpayer experience and narrow the tax gap. The IRS recognizes that to provide an exceptional taxpayer experience, modernized digital solutions that streamline processes and improve service are a priority that may come with some level of risk. The IRS has a low appetite for transformation initiatives where organizational synergies and emerging technologies are not developed, there isn’t a clear benefit to IRS employees and/or the taxpayer experience or where costs outweigh benefits. We are open to exploring innovations that improve processes and lead to secure, sustainable and resilient solutions. IRS Strategic Plan, Fiscal Year 2022-2026 Download Strategic PlanPDF
