The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a team created by President Trump and led by Elon Musk, is pushing for access to IRS data as tax season is in full swing. Their goal is to improve efficiency in government operations.
The IRS houses vast data systems packed with sensitive personal and financial information from over 100 million taxpayers. These systems are interconnected, and changes in one area could unintentionally disrupt others, as Terry Milholland, a former IRS chief technology officer, explained.
Many are concerned about DOGE’s quick access request. Critics worry about potential misuse of tax data, even if accidental. There’s also uncertainty about DOGE’s intentions and how it plans to use the data. A coalition of taxpayer advocates and unions quickly filed a lawsuit to block what they view as unsafe access to personal information.
Besides privacy issues, DOGE’s involvement could complicate tax filing. John Koskinen, a former IRS commissioner, pointed out that their intervention during an already busy period could lead to errors and system shutdowns. “The IRS is all about keeping things running smoothly during tax season,” he added.
With DOGE intruding at such a crucial time, several challenges could arise for taxpayers:
- Distractions: IRS employees may find their focus on tax processing disrupted, as some resources shift to accommodate DOGE’s agenda.
- Insufficient training: Understanding IRS systems requires training, and DOGE members may not have the expertise to handle them without help.
- Misinterpretations: Without a solid grasp of tax complexities, DOGE could misinterpret the data, leading to unnecessary complications.
For example, DOGE members might flag legitimate refunds as suspicious due to misunderstandings about the data they see. “They’re going to think they know what they’re doing and they won’t,” said Mark Mazur, a former IRS official, emphasizing the risks of their involvement.
Milholland expressed discomfort with an outside group making changes to sensitive IRS systems. “You need deep knowledge of how everything connects. If DOGE tries to make changes, it could really backfire,” he cautioned.
Moreover, many experienced IRS employees, who understand the intricate systems, are nearing retirement. If they leave early or are laid off, the agency risks losing crucial expertise. Mazur highlighted the dangers of the “move fast and break things” mentality of some tech cultures, warning it could have serious repercussions for taxpayers if the IRS systems break down.
Koskinen pointed out that any changes during this tax season could directly impact the experience of filers across the board. “It could create major issues for everyone involved – Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike,” he noted. The stakes are high, and the potential for widespread disruptions is a genuine concern as DOGE pushes forward.
