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National Taxpayer Advocate Highlights Need For Fairness In Tax Administration

by Leroy Baker, Tax-News.com, New York

08 July 2004

Enhanced protection of taxpayer rights by tax administrators and improvements in several other key IRS administrative programs are the central recommendations of the annual report delivered to Congress by the National Taxpayer Advocate, Nina E. Olson.

The report, which is required by law, sets out the objectives of the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate for the upcoming fiscal year, and provides substantive analysis of issues as well as statistical information.

“This year’s Objectives Report focuses on the protection of taxpayer rights as a mandatory component of tax administration,” noted Olson, adding: “Aggressive enforcement of taxpayer rights assures taxpayers that the IRS’ aggressive enforcement of the tax laws will be balanced and fair.”

The report identifies three measures to bolster the protection of taxpayer rights: preparation of a taxpayer rights impact statement for new IRS enforcement initiatives; improved IRS employee training; and increased awareness of the Taxpayer Advocate Service.

The report also focuses on three other key areas of interest to taxpayers, including offers in compromise, collection due process and electronic filing of tax returns.

The chief remit of the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent function within the IRS, is to assist individuals and businesses in solving ongoing tax problems with the agency. It also recommends changes to mitigate taxpayer problems.

At least one taxpayer advocate’s office is located in each state.

The full text of the National Taxpayer Advocate's FY2005 Objectives Report to Congress can be found in the Tax-News Resources section.

 

 






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