TIGTA: IRS Must Improve Security to Avoid ObamaCare Tax Credit Fraud

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration today released Affordable Care Act: Improvements Are Needed to Strengthen Systems Development Controls for the Premium Tax Credit Project (2013-23-119):

In March 2010, the President signed into law the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) (collectively referred to as the ACA). The ACA law seeks to provide more Americans with access to affordable health care. The Premium Tax Credit (PTC) Project falls under the IRS ACA Program. Beginning January 2014, eligible taxpayers who purchase health insurance through an Exchange may qualify for and request a refundable tax credit (the PTC) to assist with paying their health insurance premium. The credit is claimed on the taxpayer’s Federal tax return at the end of each coverage year. Because it is a refundable credit, taxpayers who have little or no income tax liability can still benefit. The PTC can also be paid in advance to a taxpayer’s health insurance provider to help cover the cost of premiums. This credit is referred to as the Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC). ...

The IRS has completed development and testing for the PTC Computation Engine (PTC-CE) needed to calculate the APTC and the Remainder Benchmark Household Contribution. In addition, the IRS developed a process to verify the accuracy of the PTC-CE calculations. However, improvements are needed to ensure the long-term success of the PTC Project by adherence to systems development controls for: (1) configuration and change management; (2) interagency test management process; (3) security; and (4) fraud detection and mitigation, in accordance with applicable guidance.

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