1. 📌 The IRS Has an Official “Spy” Division!
Yes, really! The IRS Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI) handles cases involving tax evasion, fraud, and money laundering — complete with special agents who carry guns and badges.
2. 🏛 It Was Born During the Civil War
The IRS was created in 1862 by President Abraham Lincoln to help fund the Civil War. It started as a temporary measure — but taxes stuck around!
3. 📦 More Than Just Taxes
The IRS also handles things like overseeing nonprofit status, managing the Affordable Care Act tax provisions, and even processing certain excise taxes.
4. 📜 Presidents File Too
Even U.S. presidents must file tax returns. In recent history, several presidents have voluntarily released their tax returns for public view.
5. 💻 Early E-Filing Was Tiny
When e-filing began in 1986, only five tax preparers participated in the test program. Now, over 90% of taxpayers file electronically!
6. 💵 Billions in Refunds Go Unclaimed
Every year, the IRS reports billions of dollars in unclaimed tax refunds — often because people don’t file returns when they’re eligible.
7. 🕵️ They Bust Celebrities Too
From Al Capone to Wesley Snipes, the IRS Criminal Investigation team has pursued famous tax evaders and won.
8. 📚 The IRS Writes Thousands of Pages of Rules
The official IRS tax code itself is around 2,600 pages — but including regulations and explanations, it can balloon to over 70,000 pages!
9. 🏞 They Once Helped Build a Dam
In the 1930s, IRS agents were sent to help collect taxes in Nevada for workers building the Hoover Dam.
10. 🎙 They Have a Podcast
Yes! The IRS launched the “IRS Tax Tips” podcast, offering bite-sized tax advice in plain language.