BARCODE Efficiency Act

3/11/2024, 5:35 PM

Barcode Automation for Revenue Collection to Organize Disbursement and Enhance Efficiency Act or the BARCODE Efficiency Act

This bill requires federal tax returns that are prepared electronically, but printed and filed on paper, to bear a code that when scanned converts the data in such return to an electronic format. It also requires the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to use optical character recognition technology to transcribe returns and correspondence that are not prepared electronically and are printed on paper.

The IRS may decline to use such technology if it determines that it is slower or less reliable than manual transcription.

The BARCODE Efficiency Act, also known as Bill 118 s 3660, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the federal government's procurement process by requiring the use of barcode technology.

If passed, the BARCODE Efficiency Act would mandate that all federal agencies use barcode technology to track and manage their inventory and assets. This technology would allow for more accurate and timely tracking of items, reducing the risk of loss or theft. Additionally, the use of barcodes would streamline the procurement process, making it easier for agencies to order and receive necessary supplies.

Proponents of the BARCODE Efficiency Act argue that implementing barcode technology would save the government money in the long run by reducing waste and improving inventory management. They also believe that the use of barcodes would increase transparency and accountability in government spending. Opponents of the bill have raised concerns about the cost of implementing barcode technology across all federal agencies. They also worry about the potential for data breaches or other security issues related to the use of barcodes. Overall, the BARCODE Efficiency Act aims to modernize and improve the federal government's procurement process through the use of barcode technology. It is currently being debated in Congress, and its fate remains uncertain.
Congress
118

Number
S - 3660

Introduced on
2024-01-25

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

1/25/2024

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Barcode Automation for Revenue Collection to Organize Disbursement and Enhance Efficiency Act or the BARCODE Efficiency Act

This bill requires federal tax returns that are prepared electronically, but printed and filed on paper, to bear a code that when scanned converts the data in such return to an electronic format. It also requires the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to use optical character recognition technology to transcribe returns and correspondence that are not prepared electronically and are printed on paper.

The IRS may decline to use such technology if it determines that it is slower or less reliable than manual transcription.

The BARCODE Efficiency Act, also known as Bill 118 s 3660, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the federal government's procurement process by requiring the use of barcode technology.

If passed, the BARCODE Efficiency Act would mandate that all federal agencies use barcode technology to track and manage their inventory and assets. This technology would allow for more accurate and timely tracking of items, reducing the risk of loss or theft. Additionally, the use of barcodes would streamline the procurement process, making it easier for agencies to order and receive necessary supplies.

Proponents of the BARCODE Efficiency Act argue that implementing barcode technology would save the government money in the long run by reducing waste and improving inventory management. They also believe that the use of barcodes would increase transparency and accountability in government spending. Opponents of the bill have raised concerns about the cost of implementing barcode technology across all federal agencies. They also worry about the potential for data breaches or other security issues related to the use of barcodes. Overall, the BARCODE Efficiency Act aims to modernize and improve the federal government's procurement process through the use of barcode technology. It is currently being debated in Congress, and its fate remains uncertain.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to require electronically prepared tax returns to include scannable code when submitted on paper, and to require the use of optical character recognition technology for paper documents received by the Internal Revenue Service.

Policy Areas
Taxation

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary3/7/2024

Barcode Automation for Revenue Collection to Organize Disbursement and Enhance Efficiency Act or the BARCODE Efficiency Act

This bill requires federal tax returns that are prepared electronically, but printed and filed on...


Latest Action1/25/2024
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.