WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House Ways and Means Committee passed H.R. 7972, the Taxpayer Workforce Modernization Act, legislation introduced by Congressman David Schweikert (R-AZ) to modernize the IRS workforce and improve tax administration through private-sector data science expertise.

The bill would require the IRS to establish a fellowship program to recruit qualified data scientists to work alongside tax law specialists on complex and emerging tax administration issues. Fellows would help the agency improve data acquisition, data quality, advanced analytics, statistical modeling and core IRS functions related to taxpayer service and enforcement.

“Taxpayers deserve an IRS that uses modern tools to solve modern problems,” said Congressman Schweikert. “This bill brings data scientists into the agency to help identify complex tax issues, improve customer service and make tax administration smarter, faster and more accountable. We have the technology today. The federal government should be using it to better serve taxpayers.”

“There is no doubt that the IRS can benefit from more private-sector know-how to improve its operations,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO). “The Taxpayer Workforce Modernization Act is a forward-looking approach to attracting more top talent to that agency to take a fresh look at how the IRS is using technology to better serve American taxpayers. I applaud Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Schweikert’s unwavering commitment to modernizing not just the technology infrastructure at the IRS but the level of experience and expertise within its workforce.”

The Taxpayer Workforce Modernization Act would:

• Establish an IRS fellowship program to recruit qualified data scientists from the private sector.
• Create a task force within the IRS and the Office of Chief Counsel to apply advanced analytics, statistical modeling and machine learning to tax administration.
• Support data-driven improvements to audit case selection, taxpayer service and improper payment prevention.
• Require fellows to help train and mentor IRS employees on the use and limitations of data analytics and emerging technologies.
• Require annual reports to Congress on the program’s effectiveness, return on investment, applicant pool and recommended changes.

The bill requires the IRS to establish the fellowship program by Sept. 30, 2026. Fellows would serve terms of two, three or four years, and the IRS would have the authority to permanently hire fellows at the end of their service.

The full text of the bill is available HERE.