Congress pushes barcode scanning and text-reading tech to speed up mailed-in tax returns

IRS starts using barcode scanning for electronically prepared returns that are printed and mailed (individual income tax returns).

If you print-and-mail a return created with tax software, you should see a scannable code on the return and the IRS should be able to load your numbers faster.

IRS starts using OCR to transcribe other paper returns and most paper mail/correspondence.

If you mail letters or paper documents to the IRS, the IRS is more likely to scan and “computer-read” them into your case file instead of relying on manual typing.

IRS starts applying the scanning/digitization requirements to estate and gift tax returns.

Families and executors handling estate tax filings, and people filing gift tax forms, may see faster intake of mailed filings and fewer delays from manual data entry.

Treasury may pause parts of the scanning/OCR requirement if it proves slower or less reliable, and must report to Congress within 30 days.

If scanning causes delays or errors, the government can switch back (or use another method), but it has to explain the reason to Congress, which adds accountability.