Addition by subtraction
- By Judi Hasson
- Jul 17, 2000
Working with Computer Sciences Corp., the IRS has developed a plan to phase
in a master database, put even the most complicated forms online and make
it easier for taxpayers to talk to the IRS.
Among the innovations on the drawing board:
* Reducing the number of major computers needed to run the system from
40 down to 20.
* Cutting the number of computer sites from 12 to three.
* Creating the ability to update files immediately. Currently, updates
can take a week or more.
* Building a secure system to assure taxpayers that digital filing
will protect their privacy, most likely by using public-key infrastructure
technology.