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Improvements Are Needed to Ensure That the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Grant Program Extends Tax Return Preparation to Underserved Populations

Report Information

Date Issued
Report Number
2017-40-088
Report Type
Audit
Joint Report
Yes
Participating OIG
Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration
Agency Wide
Yes (agency-wide)
Questioned Costs
$0
Funds for Better Use
$0
View Report

Recommendations

The Commissioner, Wage and Investment Division, should develop processes and procedures to measure the extent to which the VITA Grant Program increases coverage to underserved populations.

The Commissioner, Wage and Investment Division, should identify and communicate with grantees preparing high percentages of tax returns over the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program income level to ensure that funds are expended in compliance with congressional intent.

The Commissioner, Wage and Investment Division, should ensure that grantees have processes and procedures to confirm that only volunteers with advanced certifications prepare complex tax returns.
Recommendation rejected by IRS

The Commissioner, Wage and Investment Division, should ensure that Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Grant Program internal guidelines are current and consistent with publications for VITA grantees.