Data, Cybersecurity and Digital Services Next Phase for IRS IT Modernization
With the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) nearing the end of the first phase of its IT modernization plans, the agency is setting its sights in data, cybersecurity and digital services.
According to a recent Government CIO article, IRS CIO Nancy Sieger hinted that this would be the new direction at a recent FCW IT Modernization Virtual Summit, which highlighted new policies and guidance, as well as technology advances, in response to the $1 billion set aside for the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF).
“I believe that the keystone to success in a digital environment is strong cybersecurity and a strong data strategy,” said Sieger in the Government CIO article. “Data continues to be one of our most significant assets, and IRS information technology is unlocking the power of data by delivering a state-of-the-art enterprise data platform that improves access to data and enables more self-service reporting. That will be something you’ll see heavily in the next iteration of our modernization plan.”
In addition, Sieger mentioned that the IRS is focusing on data capabilities and testing to be prepared for the upcoming tax filing season in early 2022.
Sieger’s comments support the agency’s IT modernization plan, which was launched in 2019. Overall, the plan provides a six-year strategy to modernize IRS Information technology systems and build critical infrastructure needed for the future of the nation’s tax system
In February 2021, she was named the IRS CIO, and has served as the Acting CIO since 2019. Sieger has also been gaining a reputation as a strong government IT leader. Earlier this year, she was named to the “Federal Leadership of the Year” category of the 2020 FedScoop 50 for quickly pivoting to digital solutions in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The IRS is also taking a forward-looking approach to areas such as fraud detection and mitigation. For example, the agency is enhancing its overall compute power through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud capabilities to address the challenge.
Also, Eric Markow, Director, Web Applications PMO at the IRS, was named to the 2021 Fed 100 list for his role in reimagining the Tax Withholding Estimator with the taxpayers fully in mind.
It’s clear that the IRS is leading the way when it comes to overall IT modernization to best support its mission to provide taxpayers with top quality service by helping them understand and meet their tax responsibilities and enforce the law with integrity and fairness to all.
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