The Internal Revenue Service’s Mission Assurance Program

Abstract

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a branch of the Department of the Treasury, is a large Federal agency with over 100,000 employees and 750 facilities. In 2000, it collected more than $2 trillion in revenue and processed 226 million tax returns. In carrying out its tax administration responsibilities, the IRS is committed to adequately protecting the confidentiality of the taxpayer records that it processes. Taxpayer privacy rights are ensured through the Privacy Act, other federal statutes, the Internal Revenue Code, and other IRS policies and practices. The IRS’ security approach focuses on a mission assurance program that assures the confidentiality of taxpayer records; the safety and health of its employees; and the protection of its tax administration operations, including its systems, facilities and other resources.