CPAs can offer input or suggest an issue to be addressed by the volunteer-based Taxpayer Advocacy Panel.

In late 2002, the IRS appointed 101 members to a volunteer organization called the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP). The TAP listens to taxpayers, identifies taxpayers' issues and makes suggestions for improving IRS service and customer satisfaction.

Volunteers were selected through a highly competitive process after submitting an application and agreeing to provide 300 hours of their time each year. The TAP concentrates on recommending improvements to procedures, forms and processes used by the IRS. TAP does not evaluate situations that are legislative in nature and are not able to solve individual tax problems.

TAP members hail from every state and the District of Columbia, with the more populated states having several members. The members are organized into seven geographical groups (Area Committees), which meet monthly to discuss issues are submitted by the public or by members of TAP. Sub-committees research issues, work with IRS process owners and determine whether or not there is a systemic problem that could be corrected by changing operating procedures, forms, etc. TAP Committees then submit recommended solutions to the IRS.

In addition to members being assigned to an Area Committee, they also must pick an area of expertise or interest and serve on an Issue Committee. Issue Committees also meet monthly, and have the responsibility to act on or consider issues delegated by the IRS. Issue Committees include:

• Wage and Investment – Earned Income Tax Credit
• Wage and Investment – Multilingual Initiative
• Wage and Investment – Reducing Taxpayer Burden for Individual Return Filers
• Small Business/Self Employed – E-Filing
• Small Business/Self Employed – Reducing Taxpayer Burden for Small Business Return Filers
• Ad Hoc (addresses issues with nationwide scope).

You can provide an issue or input to TAP in one of two
ways – online or by phone at 888.912.1227.

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