Overview
- The IRS did not publish its detailed taxpayer microdata that was scheduled for July 2026 with an update in September 2026, and the agency says it is awaiting approval from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to release the files.
- The withheld data would show which income groups claimed specific provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including new deductions for overtime pay and tipped income, and how much different households paid in taxes.
- Former IRS officials say law gives statistical agencies control over release timing and that Treasury normally should not block such publications, but the Treasury has told the IRS it wants to ensure accuracy after major code changes.
- Critics including former national taxpayer advocate Nina Olson say the delay looks politically motivated ahead of the midterm elections, while administration officials argue methodological updates are needed after the 2025 reforms.
- The dispute follows wider scrutiny of withheld IRS reports, including an updated tax-gap methodology after the last published estimate in October 2024, and reporters note past granular IRS releases have produced politically sensitive results.