FHA insured at least $13 billion in loans to borrowers with unpaid federal tax debt, according to audit findings by the HUD inspector general. The potential loss on the problem loans could be as much as $6.1 billion, the IG said.

FHA has updated its HECM rule, which allows lenders to offer surviving spouses of deceased borrowers the option of deferring payments and assigning the loan.

The Treasury has recommended Congress empower Ginnie Mae to provide “last position” guarantee on MBS backed by conventional home loans and au-thority to adjust its guarantee fee.