IRS Is Boosting Its AI Efforts. Lawmakers Cautiously Applaud.

Lawmakers from both parties say they support the IRS use of artificial intelligence for audit selection and customer service, but lingering questions show Congress’s wariness as it grapples with the new technology.

The Internal Revenue Service last month said AI developed with fresh cash from last year’s tax-and-climate law was the technology powering new chatbots to help taxpayers and contribute to audits on large partnerships. Lawmakers said they believe the technology could make agencies like the IRS work better, though it’s essential the code and data being used to teach computers what to look for is designed to avoid pitfalls ...