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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How long is the term for panel members?
Members will be asked to serve a three-year appointment. Back
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How many volunteer hours are required each year?
Members should expect to volunteer 300 to 500 hours per year on panel activities. Back
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Will I be expected to travel?
Yes, panel members will be expected to travel three or four times each year to attend a national conference, committee meetings and outreach events. Virtual meeting methods, however, are the main mode of meeting, using teleconferencing as well as e-mail, which is extensively used for the majority of day-to-day communication. Back
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When I travel, who will pay for the travel related expenses?
Authorized Panel related travel expenses would be reimbursed according to Federal Government Regulations.
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How do I become a panel member?
Interested individuals may submit an application during open recruitment periods. A notice will appear in the Federal Register and on this web site to announce the open recruitment period dates each year.
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How many panel members will be chosen from each state?
Panel membership is based on taxpayer population in each state. To view individual state membership positions please refer to the map. Back
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Can Current IRS employees serve on the panel?
No, current IRS and Treasury employees are not eligible to serve as panel members. Former employees must be separated from the IRS or Treasury for at least three years to be considered for membership. The goal of the panel is to provide an independent perspective to issues facing the Internal Revenue Service and taxpaying public. Having IRS or Treasury employees serve could be construed as a conflict of interest. Back
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What is the Federal Advisory Committee Act?
The Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) is the legal source that defines how federal advisory committees operate. The law governs activities related to federal advisory boards. To obtain more information on FACA please see Committee Management Secretariat on the following web site: www.facadatabase.gov. Back
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How do I provide ideas and suggestions to the panel?
You may submit comments or suggestions to the panel via the web site, or call 1-888-912-1227. You may also write to the following address:
Taxpayer Advocacy Panel
Room 1314
1111 Constitution Avenue N.W.
Washington DC 20224 Back
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If I have a personal tax issue will the panel help me?
The panel does not address personal tax issues. To obtain assistance you may call 1-800-829-1040 or go to the IRS web site at www.irs.gov.
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Who can attend meetings?
Meetings are open to the general public as described by FACA. Meeting notices are published in The Federal Register at www.access.gpo.gov. Back
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What kind of issues will panel members work on?
In partnership with the Internal Revenue Service, the panel will focus on ways of improving IRS responsiveness to taxpayer needs and the quality of taxpayer service. The panel will provide an effective forum for direct citizen input into IRS programs and procedures.
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