IRS Collects $1.3 Billion Less Than Expected

The IRS announced it has collected $1.3 billion less this past year than expected. The reason is due, in part, to new tax laws for taxpayers, a shortage of agents and Service property seizures and liens.

Even at an astounding $1.3 billion, this is only a small part of the $1.8 trillion collected by the IRS in 1999. Still, Commissioner Rossotti has issued a statement with his concern over the loss, and that the Service is attempting to make up for the losses.

Employee-wise, over the past several years, there have been as many as 15,000 fewer agents. In addition, some agents have been redirected to other functions, such as manning telephone lines.