Volunteers Wanted for Taxpayer Advocacy Panel

News Release from IRS

The IRS is seeking volunteers to serve on the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel, a federal advisory committee that identifies major taxpayer concerns and makes recommendations for improving IRS service.

The TAP reports annually to the Secretary of the Treasury, the IRS commissioner and the National Taxpayer Advocate. It includes members from all states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, as well as one member abroad representing international taxpayers.

Each appointee represents the interests of taxpayers in their geographic location, as well as taxpayers as a whole. A prospective TAP member must be a U.S. citizen who is current with federal tax obligations, and be able to commit 200 to 300 volunteer hours during the year and pass a FBI background check.

New members will serve a three-year term starting in December. Applicants chosen as alternate members will be considered to fill any vacancies that open in their areas during the next three years.

The TAP is seeking members in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, D.C., Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.

The panel needs alternates in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Candidates from underrepresented groups, Native Americans and non-tax professionals are encouraged to apply.  All timely applications, however, will be given consideration.

Applications will be accepted through April 20. Apply online at www.usajobs.gov. For additional information, visit www.improveirs.org or call 888-912-1227 and select prompt No. 5. Contact the TAP staff at taxpayeradvocacypanel@irs.gov.