Congress·Reported·H.R. 6956

IRS: Scanning Paper Tax Returns

BARCODE Efficiency Act

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

This bill requires tax software to add a scannable barcode to tax returns that are printed out and mailed. When the IRS receives these paper forms, they would scan the code to instantly turn the information into digital data instead of typing it in by hand.
For returns written by hand or letters sent through the mail, the IRS would be required to use digital scanning technology that can read text. This tool turns physical documents into digital files, which is much faster and more accurate than having employees type the information manually.
The goal is to help the IRS process tax returns and respond to mail much faster. Right now, paper documents can cause major backlogs because they require a lot of manual work, which often delays tax refunds for people who do not file electronically.
The new rules would start for individual income tax returns on January 1 of the first year that is at least six months after the bill becomes law. Other types of taxes, like those for estates or gifts, would have up to two years to switch to the new system.

3 milestones6 actions

Feb 20, 2026House

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 434.

Feb 20, 2026House

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-508.

Jan 14, 2026House

Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 42 - 0.

Jan 14, 2026House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Jan 7, 2026House

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

1 bill

BARCODE Efficiency Act

Feb 6 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

BARCODE Efficiency Act

Bill NumberHR 6956

Congress119th Congress

ChamberHouse of Representatives

Latest ActionPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 434.

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

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R: 1

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