The Health Coverage Tax Credit Was Accurately Processed During
the 2004 Filing Season
December 2004
Reference Number:
2005-40-017
This report has cleared the Treasury
Inspector General for Tax Administration disclosure review process and
information determined to be restricted from public release has been redacted
from this document.
December
10, 2004
MEMORANDUM FOR COMMISSIONER, WAGE AND INVESTMENT DIVISION
FROM: Gordon C. Milbourn III /s/ Gordon C.
Milbourn III
Acting Deputy Inspector
General for Audit
SUBJECT: Final Audit Report - The Health Coverage
Tax Credit Was Accurately Processed During the 2004 Filing Season (Audit # 200440013)
This
report presents the results of our review of the processing of the Health
Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC, or credit). The
overall objective of this review was to determine whether tax returns claiming
the HCTC were processed efficiently and accurately during the 2004 Filing Season.
The
HCTC was established by the Trade Act of 2002 to help certain displaced workers
and certain retirees pay for their health insurance. The credit covers 65 percent of the cost of
qualified health insurance premiums for eligible individuals and their
qualified family members. Taxpayers can
receive the credit through advance payments made by the Federal Government directly
to the insurer, by claiming the credit on their tax returns, or by a combination
of these methods. Our review focused on
the processing of the credit claimed on the tax returns. The advance payment process was covered in a
separate review by the Government Accountability Office.
In
summary, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) accurately processed returns claiming
the credit during the 2004 Filing Season.
To minimize erroneous payments, the IRS placed an eligibility indicator
on the accounts of potentially eligible taxpayers. This indicator helped prevent over 8,000
ineligible taxpayers from receiving the credit.
In addition, the IRS had accurate procedures, controls, and computer
programming to ensure returns claiming the HCTC were processed correctly. The IRS also started post-processing reviews
of returns with the credit to verify taxpayers were qualified to receive the
credit. The methodology used to select
these returns was acceptable, and the processes and procedures used for these
reviews were sufficient to effectively work the cases.
While
the IRS processing of the credit was accurate, we identified processing improvements
that could be made. Because the credit
amount is combined with other credits on a single line of the U.S. Individual
Income Tax Return (Form 1040), manual processing is required to calculate and input
the correct credit amount to the IRS return processing system. We also had concerns regarding the post-processing
reviews of the credit. First, the IRS
function performing the reviews did not have some necessary procedures. This issue was reported to the IRS, and
corrective actions have been taken.
Second, the legislation that created the credit needs clarification
regarding how to properly disallow the credit when taxpayers do not qualify for
it. As the statute is written, it
appears the credit is not subject to the normal examination process and the IRS
can deny the credit without performing an examination; however, special
collection requirements apply. This
could result in taxpayer rights not being adequately protected and may reduce
the possibility that the disallowed credit would be collected.
We
recommended the Commissioner, Wage and
Investment (W&I) Division, add a specific line for the HCTC to the Form
1040, transcribe information from the Health Coverage Tax Credit (Form 8885)
attachment to the Form 1040, and implement pre-refund systemic validity and
compliance checks. We also recommended
the Commissioner, W&I Division, review the legal status of HCTC
disallowances and determine if action by the Congress
is necessary.
Management’s Response: IRS management stated that while, in concept, they do not disagree with our recommendations and recognize that all of the recommended actions may result in more efficient processing, they can take action on only two of them at this time. IRS management agreed to implement pre- and post-refund validity and compliance checks for Tax Year 2004. IRS management also agreed to work with the IRS Office of Chief Counsel to find appropriate methods for collecting erroneous payments within the context of the existing law. IRS management did not agree to add a specific line for the HCTC to the Form 1040 or to transcribe information from the Form 8885. Management’s complete response to the draft report is included as Appendix IV.
Office of Audit Comment: We
understand the rationale behind IRS management’s decision to not
implement one of our recommendations. IRS
management stated that although they see the benefit of adding a line for the HCTC,
there is no space
on the current Form 1040. Furthermore,
without a new line for the HCTC, there would be no need to transcribe the Form
8885 information because it would not enhance the current process. While we still believe adding a
specific line to the Form 1040 and transcribing the information from the Form
8885 would improve the administration and enforcement of the HCTC Program, we
accept IRS management’s explanation for not implementing the recommendation
stated above.
Copies of this report are also
being sent to the IRS managers affected by the report recommendations. Please contact me at (202) 622-6510 if you
have questions or Michael R. Phillips, Assistant Inspector General for Audit
(Wage and Investment Income Programs), at (202) 927-0597.
Returns Claiming the Credit Were Accurately Processed During the 2004 Filing Season
Automating the Manual Processing of Tax Returns With the Credit Could Improve Efficiency
Concerns Were Identified With the Post-processing Reviews of the Credit
Appendix
I – Detailed Objective, Scope, and Methodology
Appendix
II – Major Contributors to This Report
Appendix
III – Report Distribution List
Appendix IV
– Management’s Response to the Draft Report
The Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC, or credit) was created by the Trade Act of 2002 to help certain displaced workers and certain retirees pay for health insurance. Generally, taxpayers eligible to claim the credit fall into one of two categories:
The credit covers 65 percent of the cost of qualified health insurance premiums for eligible individuals and qualified family members. To receive the credit, the taxpayer must be enrolled in a qualified health insurance plan.
Taxpayers can receive the credit through an advance payment option, where the Federal Government pays 65 percent of the health insurance premiums directly to the insurer, or by claiming the credit on their Federal income tax returns. Taxpayers can also receive the credit through a combination of the two.
This credit is refundable, meaning taxpayers can claim the credit on their tax returns and receive a refund even if they did not owe any taxes or earn any income. The credit could first be claimed for the month of December 2002, with Tax Year (TY) 2003 being the first full year for the credit. The credit is administered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) HCTC Program Office, in conjunction with other Federal Government and state agencies and private industry.
Taxpayers claimed and received $30.5 million of the credit on TY 2003 returns and received an additional $7 million of advance payments during Calendar Year 2003. The HCTC Program Office reported the startup administration costs for the Program as being approximately $69 million through April 30, 2004, and projected annual operational costs are $40 million.
The IRS initially expected approximately 250,000 taxpayers would be eligible for the credit. However, the number of taxpayers claiming the credit on their TY 2003 returns was less than 17,000. The IRS is conducting research to determine the reasons for the difference in numbers, but this research has not been finalized. In addition, an audit was recently conducted by the Government Accountability Office that addresses this issue.
This review was performed at the HCTC Program Office in the IRS
National Headquarters in
The IRS accurately processed returns claiming the credit during the 2004 Filing Season. We determined that eligibility indicators were correctly posted, tax returns claiming the credit were accurately and efficiently processed, and post-processing actions were sufficient.
The IRS instituted an
eligibility indicator on taxpayer accounts to prevent erroneous payments
The HCTC Program Office instituted various controls to ensure only eligible taxpayers would receive the credit and help minimize erroneous payments. The most important of these controls was an indicator placed on potentially eligible taxpayers’ accounts. Taxpayers potentially eligible for the credit were reported to the HCTC Program Office by the PBGC and the states’ workforce agencies. The credit was disallowed during return processing if a taxpayer attempted to claim the credit without the indicator being present on his or her account.
We compared the number of potentially eligible taxpayers reported to the HCTC Program Office with the number of indicators actually placed on taxpayer accounts and determined that they matched. Placing this indicator on taxpayer accounts helped prevent over 8,000 ineligible taxpayers from receiving the credit.
Controls were in place to accurately process returns claiming the credit
During the 2004 Filing Season, returns claiming the credit were computer identified and then manually processed. The computer programming logic used to identify these returns was accurate, and the procedures used by the processing functions to manually process the returns were accurate. In addition, we verified that other controls implemented by the HCTC Program Office were working. These included a control that verified if taxpayers claiming the credit met age requirements and controls related to electronic filing.
Appropriate post-processing actions were taken to identify and assess ineligible taxpayers
In addition to the controls implemented to prevent ineligible claims for the credit during return processing, the HCTC Program Office also started post-processing reviews of returns to verify that taxpayers claiming the credit had a qualifying health plan. Even if taxpayers were reported as potentially eligible for the credit, they must also have a qualifying health plan. We reviewed the methodology used to select these returns for review and determined it was adequate. We also analyzed the processes and procedures used to review these returns and determined that they were sufficient to ensure the cases were reviewed effectively.
Although the IRS accurately processed returns claiming the credit and took appropriate post-processing actions, improvements could be made to both of these areas.
Currently, returns claiming the credit are computer identified and then manually processed. The credit is claimed on Line 67 (Other Payments) of the U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (Form 1040). Other credits and payments can be claimed on this line as well, and the amounts are combined into a single total. In addition, the information on the Health Coverage Tax Credit (Form 8885) attachment to the return is not transcribed into the IRS return processing system.
Because there is no separate line item or total specifically for the credit and information from the Form 8885 is not transcribed, manual processing is required to verify and input the credit amount into the IRS return processing system. In accordance with the IRS strategic goal of improving agency operations by reengineering business processes, this process should be automated to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
Since the credit amount is not identified during initial return processing, systemic computer validity checks cannot be performed and employees must manually verify the return. This increases the possibility of manual input errors and increases resource costs to process these returns. Furthermore, compliance checks to ensure taxpayers are not overclaiming the credit cannot be implemented using the current information input from the return.
To more efficiently process returns claiming the credit, the Commissioner, W&I Division, should:
1.
Insert a specific line
on the Form 1040 for the credit and transcribe the information on Form 8885.
Management’s Response: Although IRS management sees the benefit of adding the line, there is not space on the current Form 1040. Further, the relatively small number of taxpayers who are potentially eligible for the HCTC does not justify the elimination or consolidation of other lines to make room for a separate HCTC line at this time. Without a new line for the HCTC, there would be no need to transcribe the Form 8885 information because it would not enhance the current process. IRS management did agree to consider including a line for the credit on future revisions of Form 1040. The IRS is currently exploring options to redesign the Form 1040 to give more flexibility in implementing new statutory reporting requirements and reduce taxpayer burden.
Office of Audit Comment: We understand and accept the rationale behind IRS management’s decision to not implement this recommendation at this time. We still believe adding a specific line to the Form 1040 and transcribing the information from the Form 8885 would improve the administration and enforcement of the HCTC Program; therefore, we encourage the IRS to pursue adding a line for the HCTC on future revisions of the Form 1040.
2.
If Form
8885 information is transcribed, develop and implement appropriate systemic
validity and compliance checks using the transcribed information. For example, a math check could be programmed
to verify that the taxpayer properly computed his or her credit as 65 percent
of the total premium amount paid.
Management’s Response: Although IRS management will not transcribe Form 8885 information, the IRS agreed to implement systemic validity and compliance checks that do not require transcription.
Some returns claiming the credit were reviewed after the credit had been allowed during return processing. This was done so the IRS could verify that the taxpayer had a qualifying health plan. Because of the specific statutory language that created the credit, the IRS is treating credits disallowed during these reviews as erroneous refunds. The IRS should be using special erroneous refund procedures to collect the disallowed credits, and we identified two concerns related to these special procedures.
The IRS function reviewing returns claiming the credit did not have complete procedures
The function verifying eligibility for the credit had procedures sufficient to ensure cases were reviewed effectively. However, these procedures did not contain instructions to properly process the cases after the credit was disallowed and the review closed. This resulted in the function not taking additional actions necessary to resolve the cases. We reported this issue to the HCTC Program Office during March 2004. This omission was caused by an oversight during the development of the original instructions.
If cases had been processed without following erroneous refund procedures, affected taxpayers could have been subject to inappropriate collection actions. Because this issue was rapidly identified and corrected, we have no indication any taxpayers were affected.
Management Action: After we reported this issue to the HCTC Program Office, it immediately began implementing interim procedures for these cases. In addition, permanent procedures are now being incorporated into the relevant Internal Revenue Manual.
The legislation that created the credit needs clarification
The statute governing the credit does not specify how to disallow and recover erroneous credits. All other refundable credits are specifically addressed in the Internal Revenue Code as being subject to deficiency procedures, which means they can be disallowed by the IRS only through a formal examination. However, the HCTC was not expressly included with the other credits in the statute. Accordingly, the IRS has taken the position that the credit can be disallowed without performing an examination and the amount disallowed should be classified as an erroneous refund.
Erroneous refunds have different, much more restrictive, collection requirements than those applied to typical examination assessments. We believe classification of HCTC disallowances as erroneous refunds could compromise the collectibility of the assessments. For example, credit amounts that have been determined to be erroneous can be collected only through limited actions, and the statute of limitations for collection expires sooner than for normal examination assessments. Accordingly, it is logical to assume that some of the erroneous credit amounts issued may never be recovered. However, because the Program is so new there are no historical data to determine collectibility rates.
In addition, there is the potential that taxpayer rights may not be adequately protected. Taxpayers are given certain rights during the normal examination process, including the right to file a petition with the Tax Court. However, taxpayers that have the HCTC denied do not have this right. In fact, according to the IRS these taxpayers have no formal right of appeal at any level, although it has indicated it will allow courtesy appeals.
Due to our concerns about collectibility and taxpayer rights, we believe it would be appropriate for the IRS to review this issue further. We understand that any changes would have to be implemented via legislation and that this would have an affect on other aspects of the Program, including advance payments.
To help clarify the legal status of certain post-processing actions, the Commissioner, W&I Division, should:
3.
Coordinate with the
HCTC Program Office and the Office of Chief Counsel to review the issue of the
legal status of HCTC disallowances and to determine if action by the Congress
is necessary.
Management’s Response: IRS management has
been working with the Office of Chief Counsel to find appropriate methods for
collecting erroneous payments within the context of the existing law. IRS management has addressed many of these
issues with the Office of Chief Counsel and will maintain that dialogue and
further determine the need for and/or the possibility of legislative
clarification in this area.
Appendix I
Detailed Objective, Scope, and Methodology
The overall objective of our review was to determine whether tax returns claiming the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC, or credit) were processed efficiently and accurately during the 2004 Filing Season. This included determining the sufficiency of post-processing reviews to verify eligibility. We did not include the advance payment process in our review because it was covered in a separate review by the Government Accountability Office.
To accomplish our objective we:
I.
Determined if the HCTC
eligibility indicator was properly placed on taxpayer accounts by obtaining the
number of potentially eligible taxpayers from the HCTC Program Office and comparing
it with the number of taxpayer accounts with an indicator. These accounts were identified by a computer
data extract, using the indicator as the criteria.
II.
Determined if the
Submission Processing Error Resolution System (ERS) and Unpostable functions
accurately and efficiently processed returns claiming the credit.
A.
Reviewed and verified whether
the computer logic used by the two functions was correctly programmed. This was accomplished by analyzing relevant
computer documentation and reviewing judgmental samples of 63 returns with the
credit that were computer identified and referred to the ERS and Unpostable
functions. The samples of 63 returns
consisted of 36 returns selected from the ERS functions and 27 returns selected
from the Unpostable functions in the
B.
Reviewed the
procedures used by the ERS and Unpostable functions to verify whether they
adequately enabled employees to accurately and efficiently process returns
claiming the credit.
C.
Verified the accuracy
of the HCTC information posting to taxpayer accounts. This was accomplished by obtaining a computer
extract of all returns with the credit being processed each week from January
1, 2004, through May 31, 2004. This
information was reviewed for accuracy, including determining if limit checks on
the credit were working properly and if other controls were in place and
working properly.
III.
Determined if post-processing
reviews of returns for eligibility were sufficient to identify and assess
returns for taxpayers that were not eligible for the credit.
A.
Interviewed HCTC
Program personnel to determine their selection process and analyzed their
methodology to determine if it was valid.
B.
Reviewed the process
and procedures used to review the returns for eligibility.
Appendix II
Major Contributors to This
Report
Michael R. Phillips,
Assistant Inspector General for Audit (Wage and Investment Income Programs)
Scott A. Macfarlane,
Director
Richard J. Calderon,
Audit Manager
Steven D. Stephens,
Lead Auditor
Bonnie G. Shanks, Auditor
Appendix III
Commissioner C
Office of the
Commissioner – Attn: Chief of Staff C
Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement SE
Commissioner, Small Business/Self-Employed Division SE:S
Deputy Commissioner, Small Business/Self-Employed Division SE:S
Deputy Commissioner, Wage and Investment Division SE:W
Director, Communications and Liaison, Small Business/Self-Employed Division SE:S:C&L Director, Compliance, Wage and Investment Division SE:W:CP
Director, Customer Account Services, Wage and Investment Division SE:W:CAS
Director, Health Coverage Tax Credit Program, Wage and Investment Division SE:W:HCTC
Director, Strategy and Finance, Wage and Investment Division SE:W:S
Chief, Performance Improvement, Wage and Investment Division SE:W:S:PI
Director, Submission Processing, Wage and Investment Division SE:W:CAS:SP
Chief Counsel CC
National Taxpayer Advocate TA
Director, Office of Legislative Affairs CL:LA
Director, Office of
Program Evaluation and Risk Analysis
RAS:O
Office of
Management Controls OS:CFO:AR:M
Audit Liaisons:
Chief, Customer Liaison, Small Business/Self-Employed Division SE:S:COM
Senior Operations Advisor, Wage and Investment Division SE:W:S
Appendix IV
The response was
removed due to its size. To see the
response, please go to the Adobe PDF version of the report on the TIGTA Public
Web Page.