Internal Revenue Service Delays Key Tax Data Release Indefinitely

The Internal Revenue Service delayed the release of its Statistics of Income publication, which was originally scheduled for July. The release was first postponed until September, and then indefinitely. The publication typically contains information about what tax breaks different income levels are utilizing. The delay was reportedly due to the IRS waiting for approval from the Treasury Department.

The Statistics of Income publication would have provided early indications of how successful tax changes have been for lower- and middle-income filers. Data policy experts have noted that this pattern of delays could compromise public trust in the American statistical system.