BARCODE Efficiency Act
IRS: Scanning Paper Tax Returns
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- 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.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3100)
The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6956.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
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Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
BARCODE Efficiency Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(1)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.