Not as simple a solution as you might think. IRS still uses tape transmissions to a national center for updates and permanent records. We're talking 1980's technology. Why? Because IRS is every politician's favorite whipping boy. Don't like the tax law? Lay the blame at the feet of the IRS and not with Congress.

There have been some significant computer upgrades which have improved identification of fradulent schemes. But until further enhancements are made - not only with IRS, but with OPM and military systems - you'll still have massive refund scams and benefit checks going to dead people.

It would be money well spent and probably recouped in a very short time.

I did not say simple solution; I meant to imply that existing technology could fix. They are in fact catching much of this as that is where these press releases stating where,how much,to who come from. They just have policies that hinder investigating much of this or claim too busy. The system as it exists is so inefficient that cost to fix could be recouped. A temporary fix would be doing follow up investigation and charging whom ever is defrauding "taxpayers" and put in prison. IRS websites(not all 80s tech.) and publications could emphasize penalties and show examples of sentences. The Congress passed the 16th amendment which created IRS so they do have responsibility in mandating updates. The IRS "top dogs" may not want to be updated as the buracrats on inside know that unwanted reforms/oversite may result also. The SS admin. underwent major computer update in 1999 so as not to crash in 2000; if they can accomplish so can IRS.