The IRS is continuously working to reduce the tax gap through technology modernization, voluntary taxpayer compliance, information reporting, withholding and customer service. Get to know the IRS, its people and the issues that affect taxpayers By Chuck Rettig CL-21-13, April 23, 2021 The gross Tax Gap is the difference between the amount of tax owed by taxpayers for a given year and the amount that is actually paid timely for that same year. It represents, in dollar terms, an estimate of the annual amount of noncompliance with our tax laws. Many commentators have pointed to the Tax Gap as a roadmap for funding additional national priorities, cut taxes, or limit the need for tax increases. They reason that the government should prioritize full payment of taxes already legally owed before it looks to impose additional tax obligations on the general public. It is an important topic. Reducing the Tax Gap and improving compliance is a central part of the IRS mission, which is to: “Provide America's taxpayers top quality service by helping them understand and meet their tax responsibilities and enforce the law with integrity and fairness to all.” Our mission statement reflects our values: we put “service” first making it easier for Americans to understand and satisfy their tax obligations as the most important thing the IRS can do to affect the Tax Gap. The IRS will also, however, enforce the tax laws against those who choose not to voluntarily fulfill their responsibilities. Indeed, our enforcement efforts serve taxpayers generally, the vast majority of whom want to comply with their tax obligations, by legitimizing that choice and giving them comfort that we support them and will aggressively enforce the laws against those who do not pay their fair share. In this regard, our enforcement efforts support compliant taxpayers and a fair and equitable tax system. See more on Commissioner Rettig's comments on the Tax Gap PDF. Chuck Rettig IRS Commissioner About the author Chuck Rettig is the 49th Commissioner of the IRS. As Commissioner, Rettig presides over the nation’s tax system, which collects more than $3.5 trillion in tax revenue each year. This revenue funds most government operations and public services. He manages an agency of about 80,000 employees and a budget of approximately $11 billion. In leading the IRS, Rettig is focused on improving service to the nation’s taxpayers, balancing appropriate enforcement of the nation’s tax laws while respecting taxpayer rights. Related content IRS the tax gap The tax gap The international tax gap Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement How do you report suspected tax fraud activity? Abusive tax schemes and abusive tax return preparers - IRS Lead Development Center Can’t Pay Your Taxes? Why It’s Still Important to File Your Tax Return video 仔細瞭解 閱讀我們所有（英文）與納稅人及稅務界有關的即時議題 訂閱 國稅局在各種稅務主題上提供了數個電子報訂閱。 訂閱（英文）以在發佈新內容時收到電子郵件通知。
