Q: Why is the IRS recruiting citizen volunteers?
A: A 1998 law overhauling the Internal Revenue Service requires the solicitation and input of citizens from across the United States to provide advice regarding the operations of the federal tax collecting agency. The landmark law restructured the IRS for the first time since the Eisenhower administration to end a culture of intimidation too often passed on to the taxpaying public. As one of the chief congressional sponsors of the five-year old law, I pushed for the establishment of the first-ever IRS citizens advocacy panel to help pull back the curtain at the bureaucracy. Ordinary taxpayers can best tell the IRS how to improve customer service. Serving in this capacity, citizen volunteers have access to top-level decision-makers to bend their ears with real-world experience and expertise from the grassroots. Members of the taxpayer advocacy panel will have opportunities to listen to concerns of the taxpaying public and follow-up with recommendations to address taxpayers’ grievances; identify and prioritize taxpayer issues; report annually to the Treasury Department and National Taxpayer Advocate; and direct taxpayers to the IRS office best able to address their individual concerns. Those enlisted to review IRS policies and procedures are fulfilling an important civic opportunity. By lending a helping hand, panelists will help shape taxpayer relations with the agency in the 21st century. This year the program will expand to include membership from all 50 states.
Q: How can interested Iowans apply to serve?
A: Applicants must be U.S. citizens and be able to commit roughly 300 hours during each year of at least a two-year term. Qualified volunteers must be up to date with all tax obligations and pass a background check. Travel expenses are reimbursed for panel meetings. For those with access to the Internet, you may apply on-line at www.improveirs.org or download the application form and mail it to TAP Recruitment Office, 7771 West Oakland Park Blvd., Suite 225, Sunrise, FL 33351. Or, call (866)602-2223 for an application form. Faxed applications may be sent to (954) 423-7975. The application deadline is May 20, 2002. With tax season still fresh in our memories, I encourage interested Iowans to apply. I do my best from Washington to ensure the IRS strikes the right balance between enforcing the tax laws and providing customer service. Working or retired taxpayers from the grassroots can provide keen insights as to how IRS policies and procedures affect average American taxpayers.