MBA, Trade Groups Urge House to Improve IRS Security Protocols
The Mortgage Bankers Association and nearly a dozen industry trade groups asked a House Ways and Means subcommittee to support legislation that would improve security protocols at the Internal Revenue Service.
The letter to Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight Chair Lynn Jenkins, R-Kan., and Ranking Member John Lewis, D-Ga., asks for support of H.R. 3860, the IRS Data Verification Modernization Act of 2017, which would implement new security protocols (known as Secure Access) would take effect within their broader e-Services platform. In September, the Subcommittee held a hearing, IRS Taxpayer Authentication: Strengthening Security While Ensuring Access.
The letter expresses the trade groups’ desire to work with the subcommittee and the IRS to ensure IRS protocols are secure, accessible and responsive to a changing business environment.
“The IRS Income Verification Express Service serves a crucial role within the consumer and home lending process,” the letter said. “Our member institutions are committed to data security at every level and are pleased to partner with the IRS to protect our customers’ data.”
The letter notes the IRS’ decision to implement Secure Access and ongoing efforts to redact certain personally identifiable information are strong steps to help protect the American taxpayer. “Our member institutions have been discussing ways to improve the security of the IVES system while moving toward a modern, secure and fully integrated Business to Government (B2G) solution, as contemplated by HR 3860.”
MBA and the trade groups encouraged the subcommittee to consider creation of a “secure, fully integrated and cost-effective B2G solution that can operate in our dynamic economy and protect against evolving threats. Our member institutions support a streamlined process that promotes efficiency while minimizing the burden on participants.”
Joining MBA in the letter: the American Bankers Association; the Consumer Bankers Association; the Consumer Data Industry Association; the Consumer Mortgage Coalition; Credit Union National Association; the Housing Policy Council; Independent Community Bankers of America; and the National Association of Federally Insured Credit Unions.
