Ad Hoc Issue Committee Minutes

Taxpayer Advocacy Panel
Ad Hoc Teleconference
August 22, 2005

Designated Federal Official

• Judi Nicholas

Attendance

• Larry Behnkendorf
• David Cain
• Larry Combs
• Hal Gadon
• Jim Grimaldi
• Steve, Landauer
• Greg Maciulla
• Patrick Matthews
• Patrick McCombie
• Judi Nicholas, DFO
• Buck Paolone
• Teresa Smedley
• Faith Vinikoor
• Sherry Whah, Chair
• Lillian Woo

Staff

• Mary O’Brien, TAP Analyst
• Marla Ofilas, Note Taker

Welcome/Announcements
Sherry welcomed the members and asked if there were questions. No questions were asked. Roll call was taken and a quorum was met.

Ad Hoc Subcommittee Issues

• On-Line Publication 17 – Education – Larry Combs
  Larry explained the recommendation did not change from the last teleconference. Larry also explained that a draft cover letter was to be drafted and sent to Sherry for approval

  Decision: : The committee approved the cover letter that would be included with the recommendation.

  Decision: As a reminder, the committee approved the recommendation by the sub committee and suggested no other changes to the recommendation.

• On-Line Publication 17 – Searchability – Teresa Smedley
  The recommendation is ready to be approved with the exception of some minor revisions.

  The committee had one change to the verbiage in the “Ask a Question” example. The question that was used appeared to be asked by a practitioner rather then a normal taxpayer.

  Action: The committee agreed to change how the question is asked with “Can I claim a child?”

  Decision: The committee approved the recommendation with a few minor changes.

Self-Assessment
Sherry asked Lillian if the letter regarding tax practitioner licensing was completed. Lillian explained that she sent the final version to TAP Analyst. TAP Manager asked Lillian to clarify if the letter should be sent to the committee for approval. Lillian felt that once the committee concurs with the letter then it could be sent to the appropriate parties.

Action: Mary will email the letter to the committee with a response date of Monday August 29, 2005.

The committee continued on to review the self-assessment form.

Decision/Action: The committee agreed to email input to the self-assessment, to Lillian by August 29. Lillian will edit and compile the draft self-assessment for Sherry by September 9.

Action: The TAP Analyst will email the self-assessment document to the committee with a reminder to send their information to Lillian.

TAP Manager clarified that everyone should provide input on the disappointments, accomplishments, and committee assessments. The four categories listed under committee assessments should be addressed.

Sherry reminded everyone the teleconference will be the last meeting for the Ad Hoc since the committee will not exist next fiscal year. Teresa asked if there should be a meeting in September to finish the self-assessment. TAP Manager advised that it would be up to the committee to decide if they would like to have an additional teleconference. If the committee decides on a teleconference, it should be after the Joint Committee meeting.

Decision: The committee decided to have a final meeting on September 27 at 9 am pacific to discuss the self-assessment.

TAP Manager requested that the members come prepared to offer comments and suggestions for changes. Judi also explained that a federal register would not be needed since the meeting will be administrative.

Closing
Sherry reiterated the new date for the final teleconference. Sherry asked if there were other business to discuss. No additions were made. Judi closed the meeting.