DOGE to Host IRS Hackathon: Plans Underway for ‘Mega API’ to Access Taxpayer Data

Elon Musk’s DOGE agency is planning a hackathon to build a “mega API” for IRS data. Here’s what we know about the initiative, key players, and privacy concerns.

Introduction

In a bold and futuristic move, Elon Musk’s experimental government initiative — the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — is reportedly organizing a hackathon to develop a “mega API” that would provide centralized access to IRS taxpayer data.

The event, revealed by Wired, will be spearheaded by two DOGE-linked staffers working inside the IRS — Gavin Kliger and Sam Corcos. The aim? To modernize how government data is accessed and used by developers, fintech startups, and policy makers — all while navigating immense privacy and security concerns.

Let’s break down everything we know about this unique tech-government collaboration.

What Is DOGE?

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was formed as part of Elon Musk’s efforts to reform bloated and inefficient government systems. Backed by a vision of radical transparency and open data, DOGE wants to apply Silicon Valley agility to bureaucratic bottlenecks.

DOGE has already explored:

• Automation of DMV services

• Simplified business registration APIs

• Blockchain-based public voting trials

Now, its latest ambition is to tackle tax data — one of the most complex and sensitive datasets in government systems.

What Is the ‘Mega API’?

The proposed mega API is designed to act as a unified access point for all IRS taxpayer data — income, filings, audit flags, deductions, and more. According to insiders, the API could streamline access for:

• Fintech apps (e.g., tax calculators, refund advisors)

• Financial institutions (for loan and credit analysis)

• Government auditors and watchdogs

• AI models that need training on financial data trends

The hackathon, scheduled for next week, will bring together a mix of developers, open-source contributors, and government tech teams to prototype core modules of this API.

Who’s Behind It?

Two major figures are organizing the hackathon:

Gavin Kliger

• DOGE staffer currently working at the IRS

• Specializes in API governance and security

• Advocate for open data and lean systems

Sam Corcos

• Co-founder of several API startups

• Known for rapid software experimentation

• Recently brought on to advise DOGE’s IRS pilot programs

Both are seen as tech insiders with a strong mission focus, but their push for aggressive API openness has raised eyebrows in Washington.

The Hackathon: What Will Happen?

Here’s what’s planned during the DOGE IRS Hackathon:

• 48-hour build sprint to design the API’s structure

• Open challenge format – anyone with coding skills can apply

• API modules include:

  • Taxpayer authentication

  • Filing history

  • Automated tax liability projections

• Real-world testing with dummy tax records

• Winners get DOGE grants and potential recruitment offers

The event will take place virtually, with contributors dialing in from across the U.S. and potentially global tech hubs.

Privacy Concerns: Critics Raise Red Flags

While the hackathon aims to increase government efficiency, privacy advocates are deeply concerned. Giving open or even semi-open access to taxpayer data through an API poses serious risks:

• Unauthorized access or API leaks

• Misuse of data by third-party apps

• Algorithmic discrimination based on tax history

• National security vulnerabilities

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and Privacy International have already issued statements urging strict oversight, encryption protocols, and opt-in only data use.

How DOGE Is Addressing Security

DOGE has promised the following safeguards:

• No real taxpayer data will be used in hackathon prototypes

• All modules must pass a zero-trust architecture audit

• Multi-layer encryption and identity verification

• Partnering with Cloudflare, AWS, and Palantir for secure environments

• Oversight from a special committee including white-hat hackers and IRS legal teams

Still, experts note that trust must be earned, not announced — and DOGE will face scrutiny throughout.

What This Means for Fintech

If the mega API becomes reality, it could transform how fintech startups operate. Startups could:

• Instantly verify income without users uploading forms

• Offer pre-filled tax returns with 1-click filing

• Use tax history to determine creditworthiness

• Build AI advisors for personalized savings plans

This would put tax data on the same level as banking APIs like Plaid — something long-awaited in the industry.

Community Buzz

The developer community on platforms like GitHub, Hacker News, and Reddit is abuzz:

• Some are excited about the efficiency and open-data principles.

• Others are worried about the scope of government data access.

• A few are jokingly calling it “IRS-as-a-Service.”

Final Thoughts

Whether DOGE’s IRS hackathon results in a working mega API or just early prototypes, the fact that it’s happening shows how fast government tech is evolving under Musk’s experimental leadership.

Privacy vs. innovation will be the central debate — and all eyes will be on DOGE as they walk this tightrope.

In the meantime, it’s worth watching how developers, civil groups, and regulators respond in the coming weeks.