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Chris Given is a former government technologist who builds effective, accessible services and has worked with various federal and state agencies.

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Government services Technology Policy
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Judge Carlton Reeves' 2018 opinion in Boatner v. Berryhill critiques the Social Security Administration's denial of disability benefits to Carl Boatner, highlighting the systemic failures that delay justice for individuals with di...
The blog post discusses the development and implementation of the Direct File tax system, highlighting the challenges and changes that made it possible. The author reflects on the importance of adaptability in government, using th...
The author reflects on the current state of the IRS, particularly focusing on the controversial Direct File initiative and the challenges facing the agency as it prepares for the upcoming tax season. The piece discusses the potent...
The author shares their recent transition to the role of Deputy Secretary for Technology and Innovation in the California Government Operations Agency after leaving Washington, D.C. They reflect on the differences between federal ...
The post discusses the need for state leaders to innovate and improve tax filing processes following the federal government's abandonment of Direct File. It emphasizes the importance of not just replicating Direct File but rather ...
The IRS Direct File service, which allowed taxpayers to access their data and file taxes online, went live on January 29, 2024, and was discontinued on November 5, 2025. Taxpayers can now only access a transcript online or pay $30...
The GAO found that the IRS lacks measurable goals or objectives to manage the outcomes of its identity-proofing program, which makes it difficult to determine if the performance of ID.me's solutions meets IRS needs. The IRS needs ...
The post discusses suggestions for improving the AMA algorithm used in government decision-making. It emphasizes the need for dynamic, data-driven optimization, feedback mechanisms, and better predictive models. The author also re...
This blog post describes the process of designing an algorithm for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to automate the decision-making process for appeals. The author discusses the implications of automation, the complexi...
The text discusses the complexities of the tax code, particularly the different ways to calculate whether a taxpayer was 65 or older during the tax year and the various edge cases that exist within the tax code.
In the Who Cares Era, the most radical thing you can do is care. Making something yourself, imperfect and rough, is the best way to fight back against government indifference. At the Code for America Summit, Suzanne Chapman and Ka...
The text describes the disbandment of the Direct File team by the Treasury Department, the efforts made to build the Direct File, and the subsequent revival of the team. It highlights the challenges faced, the team's dedication, a...
Economic Security Project (ESP) announces a new fellowship focused on the future of tax filing, civic tech, and benefits equity. The fellowship aims to preserve progress and accelerate new ideas in response to the sunset of IRS Di...
The IRS has released Direct File, a logic engine that parses ambiguous tax scenarios and infers relationships while consistently applying tax rules. It aims to establish trust with taxpayers and ensure they receive every tax benef...
The IRS has published the majority of Direct File's code on GitHub as open-source software, fulfilling its obligations under the SHARE IT Act. This move is aimed at building public trust and enabling independent assessment of its ...

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2025-05-29

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