Earlier this year, the Internal Revenue Service announced that its website was used as an avenue for hackers to get their hands on nearly 500,000 stolen Social Security Numbers. While those ne’er-do-wells apparently didn’t have a difficult time traversing the site, consumers who actually head to the portal for help during tax time aren’t so lucky. For that reason, the agency is asking for help in revamping its online presence — and a chance to win $10,000.
The IRS launched a three-week contest — with cash prizes — this week, asking individuals to suggest ways in which the agency can improve the design, organization and presentation of its website.
The “tax design challenges” aims to make the IRS’s site easier for a person to manage their tax responsibilities, and use their own tax data to make informed and effective decisions about their personal finances.
The IRS says submissions will be considered for three categories: overall design, best taxpayer usefulness, and best financial capability. Prizes range from $1,000 to $10,000.
“Crowdsourcing is a new activity for the IRS, but we believe working with citizens and the private sector will help support innovation in an important area for the nation’s tax system,” IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said in a statement.
To take part in the contest, individuals must register online and submit their ideas for ways to better organize and present a person’s tax information.
Submissions for the contest will be accepted from April 17 to May 10.
by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist