TAXPAYER ADVOCACY PANEL (TAP) SEEKS CIVIC-MINDED VOLUNTEERS TO APPLY:

Note from Editor: I was a member of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel for the years of 2020 thru 2022. It was a very rewarding experience that truly helped American taxpayers. I would encourage anyone from the states accepting applications to apply.

Interested candidates from all states encouraged to apply by March 31

20 years of advocacy

For more than 20 years, TAP members have worked hard to make the tax system work better for taxpayers. In the last 20 years, the TAP has submitted more than 2,200 recommendations on customer service issues that directly impact how taxpayers interact with the IRS, whether by phone, mail or online.

In 2022 alone, the TAP made 201 recommendations to the IRS, many of which were implemented. These recommendations have resulted in improvements to IRS tax forms, instructions and publications that make them easier for taxpayers to understand.

Some examples of issues on which TAP members have partnered with the IRS to improve taxpayer service include:

• Implementing customer callback technology;
• Providing taxpayers with the option to get copies of past tax returns through Free File;
• Allowing longer extension times for taxpayers to file returns; and
• Creating an online portal taxpayers can use to easily look up information needed to claim education credits.

Additionally, the TAP has developed outreach materials to educate entrepreneurs about tax return filing requirements, and successfully proposed improvements to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

Recruitment now open for 2024

Applications for the 2024 TAP year are now being accepted from civic-minded volunteers looking for ways to serve their communities. TAP members volunteer to serve a three-year term and are expected to devote 200 to 300 hours per year to panel activities. The TAP continues to make a difference in the U.S. tax system, and new members have a unique opportunity to join this dynamic group.

To the extent possible, TAP members are selected in part to achieve demographic and geographic diversity, providing balanced representation from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, with an additional member representing the interests of taxpayers working, living or doing business abroad.

Who can apply?

Federal advisory committees are required to have a balanced representation of different viewpoints. Therefore, applicants from under-represented groups, such as Native Americans and non-tax professionals, are particularly encouraged to apply.

The TAP is currently seeking candidates in the following states and territories: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming. However, candidates residing in all locations are encouraged to apply, and all timely applications will be considered.

TAP members must be U.S. citizens who are current with their federal tax obligations and able to commit 200 to 300 volunteer hours during the year. TAP members must also pass a Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background check. Members cannot be federally registered lobbyists or current employees of the Department of the Treasury or the IRS. Former Treasury or IRS employees and former TAP members can be considered for appointment three years after their employment or previous TAP membership has ended. Tax practitioner applicants must be in good standing with the IRS (meaning not currently under suspension or disbarment).

New TAP members will serve a three-year term starting in Decenber 2023. Applicants chosen as alternate members will be considered to fill any vacancies in their areas during the next three years. Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2023, to be considered. Visit USAJobs for more details about how to apply to become a TAP member.

More about the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel

The TAP is a federal advisory committee that serves an important role in tax administration. TAP members are a diverse group of citizens who possess a sense of civic duty, patriotism and belief in an effective and well-regarded tax system.

TAP members volunteer their time and energy to improve IRS services and taxpayer satisfaction by listening to taxpayers, identifying issues and making recommendations to improve IRS service and customer satisfaction.

Oversight and program support for the TAP are provided by the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent organization within the IRS led by the National Taxpayer Advocate. TAS helps resolve taxpayer account problems and makes administrative and legislative recommendations to mitigate systemic problems in tax administration.

For additional information about the TAP, visit www.improveirs.org or call toll-free at 888-912-1227 and select prompt number five. Callers outside the U.S. may call 202-317-3087 (not a toll-free number) or email the TAP staff at tap.recruitment@irs.gov. A video is also available with more information about the TAP and about how to contribute to this dynamic group of volunteers.