Examination Rate of Tax Returns for Individuals: 2008 to 2018

While the IRS was gradually defunded, the service decreased how often it looked at tax returns for individuals, shown here as a percentage of all taxes filed. This decrease was particularly apparent for wealthier Americans, such as those with over $1 million in total income (includes wages, interest, dividends, etc.). A similar trend occurred for corporations (not pictured).

Chart: 101 Policy Corner Source: Congressional Budget Office Get the data