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HR 7227 115th Congress House

Taxpayer First Act of 2018

Official title: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modernize and improve the Internal Revenue Service, and for other purposes.

Introduced: December 10, 2018 See on congress.gov
Taxation Administrative law and regulatory proceduresAdministrative remediesAdvisory bodiesBank accounts, deposits, capital
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Business recordsCensus and government statisticsCivil actions and liabilityComputer security and identity theftComputers and information technologyCongressional oversightConsumer creditCrime victimsCriminal investigation, prosecution, interrogationDebt collectionDepartment of the TreasuryEmployee hiringEmployment discrimination and employee rightsExecutive agency funding and structureFederal officialsFraud offenses and financial crimesGovernment buildings, facilities, and propertyGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel managementGovernment ethics and transparency, public corruptionGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsIncome tax exclusionInterest, dividends, interest ratesInternal Revenue Service (IRS)Internet and video servicesInternet, web applications, social mediaPerformance measurementPoverty and welfare assistancePublic contracts and procurementPublic-private cooperationRight of privacySocial work, volunteer service, charitable organizationsTax administration and collection, taxpayersTax-exempt organizationsUser charges and fees
This bill died when the 115th Congress ended
It never became law before the 115th Congress (2017–2018) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 10 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Dec 20, 2018
Received in the Senate.
Dec 20, 2018
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Dec 20, 2018
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 378 - 11 (Roll no. 455). (text: CR H10402-10413)
Dec 20, 2018
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H10435)
Dec 20, 2018
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Dec 20, 2018
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7227.
Dec 20, 2018
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H10402-10414)
Dec 20, 2018
Mr. Rice (SC) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Dec 10, 2018
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Dec 10, 2018
Introduced in House
 Votes taken on this bill 1
DateChamberWhat was voted onResultYes–No
Dec 20, 2018 House · vote #455 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended Passed 378–11 See who voted →
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 Latest action December 20, 2018

Received in the Senate.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Taxpayer First Act of 2018

This bill modifies requirements for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding its organizational structure, customer service, enforcement procedures, management of information technology, and use of electronic systems.

The bill includes provisions that

  • establish the IRS Independent Office of Appeals to resolve federal tax controversies without litigation;
  • require the IRS to develop customer service and training strategies;
  • continue the IRS Free File Program;
  • exempt certain low-income taxpayers from payments required to submit an offer-in-compromise;
  • modify certain tax enforcement procedures and requirements;
  • establish requirements for responding to Taxpayer Advocate Directives;
  • permanently authorize the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Matching Grant Program;
  • modify procedures for whistle-blowers;
  • establish requirements for cybersecurity and identify protection;
  • allow the IRS to require additional taxpayers to file returns electronically;
  • require the IRS Commissioner to appoint a Chief Information Officer;
  • modify requirements for managing information technology;
  • specify requirements for retaining electronic records;
  • prohibit the rehiring of certain IRS employees who were removed for misconduct;
  • make Tax Court judges subject to the same grounds for disqualification as other federal judges; and
  • authorize streamlined critical pay authority for certain IRS information technology positions.

The bill requires the IRS to implement

  • online accounts for taxpayers and return preparers,
  • an Internet platform for Form 1099 filings,
  • a fully automated program for disclosing taxpayer information for third-party income verification using the Internet, and
  • uniform standards and procedures for accepting electronic signatures.
 Related & companion bills 18
 Bill text 3 versions

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 7227: Taxpayer First Act of 2018. 115th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/115-HR-7227/
MLA
"H.R. 7227: Taxpayer First Act of 2018." 115th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/115-HR-7227/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 7227, 115th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/115-HR-7227/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 7227: Taxpayer First Act of 2018](https://openamerica.io/bill/115-HR-7227/)
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