H.R. 6956Passed one chamberJobs & the economy
Bill would require scannable codes on mailed tax returns to speed IRS processing
Data as of July 11, 2026
The BARCODE Efficiency Act would require scannable codes or OCR on paper tax returns to cut IRS processing errors and delays.40-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
The bill requires printed tax returns prepared with tax software to include a scannable code containing all return data, which the IRS must scan instead of manually entering. For other paper returns or unreadable codes, the IRS must use optical character recognition (OCR) technology, also applied to other paper correspondence like letters and forms.
Who does it affect?
This affects the IRS's internal processing operations and taxpayers who file paper returns by mail instead of e-filing.
Why does it matter?
The changes aim to reduce manual data entry errors and processing delays, though the IRS can skip the tech requirements if it finds the technology slower or less reliable, reporting that decision to Congress within 30 days.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee
- House vote
- Senate — You are here
- President's desk
Right now: it passed the House and now goes to the Senate. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
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Official title
BARCODE Efficiency Act
- Introduced:
- January 7, 2026
- Latest action:
- April 28, 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.