While the IRS Future State was a long-term visioning effort, the Fiscal Year 2018 – 2022 IRS Strategic Plan guides the implementation of the IRS vision for the future through our programs and operations. It reflects the aspirational, yet actionable work IRS is doing and will do to fulfill our mission. See more information on the IRS Strategic Plan. With the IRS Future State work now incorporated into the current IRS Strategic Plan, the information below reflects historical documents from the Future State effort dating back to 2016. Historical Future State Material The world is changing and taxpayer expectations are changing. To look at the future in a more comprehensive way, the IRS is working on a Future State for tax administration, and a critical part of that is working with the wider tax community on this effort. This is an evolving and long-term effort, and we will share updates as more information becomes available. The IRS needs to take advantage of the latest technology to move the entire taxpayer experience to a new level. And it needs to be done in a way that meets the needs of taxpayers and the tax community in an efficient and effective manner while respecting taxpayer rights. At the same time, taxpayers may still need one-on-one assistance by phone or in-person. All of these efforts touch many different parts of the agency, and they have been described as the IRS Future State initiative. Six strategic themes To guide how we’re going to get there, we established six strategic themes and a focus area of strengthening cybersecurity and eliminating identity theft. The themes are: Facilitate voluntary compliance by empowering taxpayers with secure innovative tools and support Understand non-compliant taxpayer behavior and develop approaches to deter and change it Leverage and collaborate with external stakeholders Cultivate a well-equipped, diverse, skilled and flexible workforce Select highest value work using data analytics and a robust feedback loop Drive more agility, efficiency and effectiveness in IRS operations These themes line up with Treasury Strategic Goals and Objectives and the IRS Strategic Goals and Objectives PDF. Latest news Future State working draft PDF overview of where the IRS stands in the continuing work on Future State efforts. December 21, 2016 – Tax professionals provide insights on IRS Future State; feedback efforts continue in 2017 as Online Account shows strong early use. December 1, 2016 – IRS launches new online tool to assist taxpayers with basic account information. Key components A Glimpse into the future – How taxpayers could interact with the IRS PDF in the future beyond making a phone call. IRS Future State journey – This working draft PDF offers an overview of where the IRS stands in the continuing work on Future State efforts. Future State options for taxpayers – Many IRS business units continue to work on possible options to better serve taxpayers. Speeches related to the IRS Future State – IRS Commissioner John A. Koskinen has discussed Future State efforts in a number of speeches. A listing of his comments, statement and remarks related to Future State is available. IRS advisory committees – Many of the Future State concepts incorporate thoughts and feedback from IRS advisory committees, including the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee and the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council. Future State-related hearings – National Taxpayer Advocate Holds Public Forums. Future State themes – We’ve established six strategic themes PDF to get to our envisioned Future State for tax administration. Future State presentations to stakeholders Future State overview Nov. 17, 2016 – Commissioner of Small Business/Self-Employed Mary Beth Murphy, Online Services Director Paul Mamo and Director of Field Collection Darren Guillot present to the New England IRS Representation Conference PDF. Exploring the IRS Future State Dec. 9, 2016 – Chief Counsel William J. Wilkins presents to the ABA National Institute on Tax Controversy PDF. Prepared Remarks of Commissioner Koskinen before the AICPA Nov. 15, 2016 – IRS Commissioner Koskinen speaks to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Resources and information Taxpayer Bill of Rights – The Taxpayer Bill of Rights is a foundational component underlying the future vision of the IRS and reflects the agency’s ongoing commitment to respecting taxpayer rights. For example, the right to quality service is a central part of these efforts.
