H.R. 2901 would amend current law to permanently authorize the appropriation of up to $30 million a year to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for grants through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). That program partners with organizations to provide free assistance for filing tax returns to underserved populations. Assuming appropriation of the maximum amount authorized, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 2901 would cost $150 million over the 2019-2023 period.
CBO and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimates that enacting the bill would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply.
CBO and JCT estimate that enacting H.R. 2901 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2029.
CBO and JCT have reviewed H.R. 2901 and determined that it contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.
