Many view the IRS compliance and collection programs (CCP) -- such as audits to determine whether taxpayers have accurately reported the amount of taxes that they owe and collection follow-up with taxpayers who have not paid what is owed -- as critical for maintaining the public's confidence in our tax system. But declines in CCP have been dramatic. From FY 1996-2000, the number of individual tax returns audited by IRS declined by over 60%. Further, IRS was unable to pursue many delinq. taxpayers. This report: describes the changes since 1996 in IRS CCP, and the factors contributing to the changes; determines how the program changes have affected taxpayers; and determines how IRS addressed the program changes in its strategic assessments. Also includes a 17-page report, "Tax Deductions: Further Estimates of Taxpayers Who May Have Overpaid Federal Taxes by Not Itemizing."