Ad Hoc Issue Committee Minutes

Taxpayer Advocacy Panel
Ad Hoc Teleconference
September 13, 2004

Attendance

• Gerry Gensiejewski
• James Grimaldi
• Larry Lexow
• Greg Maciulla
• Bob Meldman, Chair
• Judi Nicholas, Designated Federal Official
• Buck Paolone
• Sherry Whah
• Lillian Woo

Staff

• Marla Ofilas, Note taker

Welcome/Announcements/Review Agenda
Judi took roll call. Initially, the committee did not have a quorum but was later met.

Review of action items from the FTF meeting
The committee reviewed the action items from the previous meetings. The action items included recommendations that would be elevated to Nina Olson, Taxpayer Advocate/Ad Hoc Program Owner.

Examining Regulatory/Legislative matters.
The committee would like to work and examine legislative matters. It was suggested that a recommendation be made to have all area committees send legislative or regulatory issues to the Ad Hoc committee. The committee would look at the issue, the impact of the current law/regulation and the impact of the proposed change. A report of the assessment would be forwarded to the NTA for possible inclusion in the Annual Report to Congress. The recommendation would be sent through the TAP Director to the NTA. The recommendation will include a response date and after which date the committee would implement the change.

Decision: Bob will write up the recommendation. Bob felt that in addition to the Joint Committee receiving a report of any legislative or regulatory issues that the Local Taxpayer Advocates should also receive reports. The Ad Hoc committee unanimously agreed to elevate this issue.

TAP Chair for 2004/2005
The Ad Hoc Committee recommends that the TAP chair for 2004/2005 be elected from the current members for a term of one year. In addition, a new member will be elected chair-elect for one year, following which the chair-elect will automatically become the TAP chair. The chair-elect will be mentored by the chair in preparation for the assumption of chair position the following year.

For the year 2005/2006, the 2004/2005 chair-elect becomes the chair, and there will be an election for a new chair-elect.

Decision: The Ad Hoc Committee unanimously agreed that the term of the TAP chair shall be for one year. The Ad Hoc Committee unanimously agreed that the TAP chair shall be a current member and not a new member. The Ad Hoc Committee unanimously agreed that the chair-elect shall be a new member and will have been mentored by the TAP chair during that year's term.
Who was writing this up to be elevated?

Communication Strategy
The committee compiled a list of issues that TAP is allowed to pursue and issues they are not allowed to pursue.

During the committees face-to-face meeting it was suggested that the list be added to the TAP Communication Strategy.

Decisions: The committee unanimously agreed to include this in the communication strategy. In addition, each member will solicit from their area and issue committees, any additional items that could be included to the list.

Establish additional duties
The Ad Hoc committee recommended that a position be establish within TAP to inform taxpayers with individual problems, the status of their issue or concerns.

Decisions: The committee was informed that this is already in place. Each time a taxpayer contacts TAP, a letter is sent to the individual notifying them of the outcome of their suggestions, concerns or when their individual issue has been forwarded to TAS.

Possible future Ad Hoc issues
During the face-to-face meeting, the committee discussed a national TAP newsletter patterned after Area 4’s (What’s on TAP) be developed. It would be necessary to write a number of articles ahead of time to ensure publication deadlines are met. Larry Lexow and Jerry G agreed to serve in a consulting role. The committee agreed it would be necessary to identify potential candidates for publishing the news articles.

Decisions: It was agreed by the Joint Committee that the Ad Hoc will be responsible for the “What’s on TAP” publication. Ad Hoc will find a list of potential publications (regional, local and national associations) and develop a structure and process to make this happen nationally. They will also solicit the help of new members that begin their tenure in November.

Draft of National Licensing
Lillian suggested that this issue should carry over to the November face-to-face meeting. A discussion followed about the possibility of reviewing and deciding this issue over e-mail.

Decision/Action: Sherry agreed to have a draft completed by the end of September. The committee also agreed to review the draft and submit comments or approve the recommendation via email. If approved, the committee will elevate the recommendation to Nina Olson by October 15 with a copy to the Joint Committee.

Review Recommendation from Buck Paolone
Buck proposed changes to the TAP organization and how the chairs are elected. The committee reviewed three proposed recommendations. Each committee member provided input on the recommendations. Some members felt that Buck provided excellent points. Others felt that the IRS set up the TAP structure for a reason and see no need to make any changes

Decision: The issue was tabled for a future meeting.

Closing
Lillian concluded the call by thanking the panel members that were not returning, for participating and their hard work. Lillian adjourned the call.