IRS Releases New Plan for Modernization

The IRS Jan. 11 released the latest blueprint for its modernization, detailing changes in the agency's business practices and the way technology will support the effort."This is a significant change compared to the 1997 blueprint," said IRS Chief Information Officer Paul Cosgrave, who will be leaving the agency later this month. "The previous blueprint did not define business processes. This blueprint is a very extensive effort to look at a whole new way of processing taxes." The IRS Enterprise Architecture, commonly called the blueprint, also details the agency's plans to stop using its antiquated master file system and implement security improvements. It also supports many of the agency's long-term goals, including improving customer service and procedures for refunds and collections."The architecture, as a blueprint, will enable us to design and build new business and technology projects that will be the backbone of the IRS," said Commissioner Charles Rossotti.The IRS plans to update the blueprint in March or April.