The 2.3% medical device tax that went into effect last year is not garnering the revenue the IRS anticipated, and the Associated Press reports that the key reason appears to be follow-through. A Treasury report covered by the AP says a key issue is that the IRS is having trouble identifying just who owes it money.

The tax is supposed to apply to medical devices professionals use, such as pacemakers, and the expectation was that the levy would provide $29 billion by 2023, but collection rates indicate it will only collect around 75% of this if current collection practices continue.

Device manufacturers have been working to get the tax repealed, but the AP notes that eliminating the tax would leave a revenue hole for which there is currently no proposed replacement.