Established in 1989, the Treasury Office of Inspector General:
- Conducts and supervises audits and investigations of Treasury programs and operations.
- Provides leadership and coordination and recommends policies for activities designed to (a) promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the administration of Treasury programs and operations, and (b) prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse in Treasury programs and operations.
- Keeps the Secretary and the Congress fully and currently informed about problems, abuses, and deficiencies in Treasury programs and operations.
Treasury is unique in that it has two Inspectors General. The Treasury Inspector General serves the entire Department and its offices and bureaus, except for the IRS. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration serves only the IRS.
The current Treasury Inspector General, Eric M. Thorson, has been serving in this position since August 12, 2008.
OIG auditors conduct financial, performance, and information technology audits. These audits are intended to (1) save taxpayer dollars, (2) improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Treasury programs and operations, and (3) help prevent waste and detect fraud and abuse in Treasury programs and operations.
OIG investigators conduct a variety of investigations, including financial crimes, corruption, general crime, and employee misconduct. OIG investigators also promote crime prevention and integrity awareness among Treasury employees.