US Taxpayers Invited By IRS To Join Taxpayer Advocacy Panel

by Mike Godfrey, Tax-News.com, Washington

28 March 2006

The US Internal Revenue Service announced last Thursday that it is inviting "civic-minded individuals" to help improve the nation’s tax agency by applying to be members of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel.

The panel provides a forum for citizens from each state to make suggestions regarding IRS decision making.

Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) members:

• Provide opportunities for citizen input and make recommendations to the IRS and Treasury on customer-service issues.
• Identify and prioritize taxpayer issues.
• Report annually to Treasury, the IRS and the National Taxpayer Advocate.
• Participate in meetings where taxpayers are invited to raise issues about their experiences with the IRS.
• Refer taxpayers who contact the panels to the IRS offices best able to address their issues.

“As the IRS continues to examine taxpayers’ needs in the area of service, the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel has emerged as a vital source for gathering and providing information from the perspective of taxpayers,” stated Nina E. Olson, National Taxpayer Advocate, adding that:

“TAP’s role will ultimately aid taxpayers by supplying them with the top quality service that they deserve."

To qualify as a TAP member, applicants must be US citizens and be able to commit 300 to 500 hours during the year to the panel. In addition, they must be current with their tax obligations and pass a criminal background check.

Applications must be received by the TAP Office by April 28, 2006.

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