For anyone who has opinions and thoughts about our tax system and the IRS, here is a chance to voice your opinion!
The IRS is looking for volunteers to serve on the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP). The panel will be an advisory committee made up of taxpayers who help identify issues and offer ideas to improve the services the IRS provides.
“The feedback and suggestions that the TAP provides us from the taxpayer’s point of view are important to sound tax administration,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman.
The new panel will include representatives from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Members of the panel will offer ideas and suggestions to help improve IRS services. The panel will report annually to the IRS Commissioner, Secretary of the Treasury and the National Taxpayer Advocate.
“In trying to comply with an increasingly complex tax system, taxpayers may find they need different services from the IRS,” said Nina E. Olson, National Taxpayer Advocate. “The TAP is vital because it provides the IRS with the taxpayer’s perspective and recommendations for improvements that will help the IRS to deliver the best possible service to assist taxpayers in meeting their tax obligations.”
Specifics to be a member of the panel:
- Must be a US citizen
- Are current with tax obligations
- Are able to commit to 300-500 hours
- Pass an FBI criminal background check
- Serve a three year term beginning December 2010
- Alternates will fill vacancies that open during the next two years.
- The panel is seeking members from the following locations: California, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Washington.
- Alternates are needed for Alabama, the District of Columbia, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, New York, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming.
- Applications for TAP will be accepted through April 30, 2010. Applications are available online atwww.improveirs.org. For additional information about the TAP or the application process, please call toll-free 1-888-912-1227.
