Designated Federal Official
Lois Lombardo

Attendance
James Brock
Kimberly Brown
Michael Bryant
Emilio Cecchi
Ben Chapman, Chair
Richard Grzebinski
Bob Haines
Joe Holley
Ed Johnson
Louise McAulay
Bob McQuiston
Bob Patterson

Absent
Blanche Davis
Steve Fulkrod
Carolyn Hutchinson

Staff
Nancy Ferree, TAP Program Manager
Sallie Chavez, TAP Program Analyst
Donna Powers, TAP Program Analyst
Marla Ofilas, TAP Program Secretary

Welcome and Roll Call
Ben opened the meeting and welcomed everyone. Marla completed roll call and a quorum was met.

Joint Committee Report
Ben provided a brief report out. The Joint Committee met in St Louis, MO. The TAP Annual Meeting, Elevated Issues, and the Chair/Vice Chair election process were some of the topics discussed during the face-to-face meeting.

Ben also reported that National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson delivered her 2009 Objectives Report; which identifies the areas of emphasis and priority issues that the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate will address in the coming fiscal year. Among the key areas of focus are Identity Theft, Cancellation of Debt Income, Collection and Taxpayer Rights, and Correspondence Examinations. This year’s report also includes a Supplement detailing TAS’s activities, strategic plans, and improvement initiatives.

Ben informed the committee that Peter Welch has resigned from TAP due to work schedule conflicts.

TAP 2008 Recruitment
Nancy reported that the interviews have been completed and each TAP Manager met with TAP Director Bernie Coston to discuss the list of potential candidates. Bernie is scheduled to meet with Nina during the TAS Symposium to discuss the list with her. The intent is to have the names of the new TAP members be approved and received by early October.

Nancy also asked the members to review the revised TAP application and interview questions and to provide comments.

Approve Meeting Minutes June 18, 2008
The full committee reviewed the completed minutes from June 18, 2008.
DECISION: The full committee approved the minutes from June 18, 2008 with no further changes.

Screening Committee’s Review of New Issue(s) – Joe Holley:

• Issue 4876 – Taxpayer Use of ERO

The subcommittee recommended that this issue be dropped since Nina Olson is already working the issue.

• Issue 4878 – Social Security for Canadian Citizen

The subcommittee felt that this was a non IRS issue and recommended to the full committee to drop this issue.

• Issue 4880 – Health Insurance on Form 1120S

Since this issue was resolved by Sallie, the subcommittee recommends that this issue be dropped.

• Issue 4881 – Delegation of Authority  - TAS

The subcommittee felt that this was a TAS issue and not within TAPs scope. The subcommittee recommends that this issue be dropped.

• Issue 4882 – Local Taxpayer Advocate Issues

The subcommittee felt that this issue has to do with National Inventory Balancing and manpower in each of the LTA offices. The subcommittee felt that it should be entered in SAMS. However, Lois felt that this is was not a SAMS issue and recommend the issue be dropped.
ACTION: Lois will discuss this issue with the TAP staff and the full committee will make a decision on this issue during the next full committee call.

• Issue 4886 – Nanny & Related Tax Guidance

The subcommittee has agreed to work with the Forms and Pubs Issue Committee on this issue. The subcommittee has placed this issue in the parking lot and has assigned it a priority #4.

• Issue 4889 – Proof of Filing Returns

The subcommittee has agreed to place this issue in the parking lot and assign it a priority #3. Additional research is needed.

• Issue 4890 – Offer in Compromise Not Being Utilized

The subcommittee has recommended that this issue be dropped.

• Issue 4894 – IRS Recognition of EIN Corporation Name

The subcommittee has agreed to work this issue; however they did not assign a priority number but has placed it in the parking lot.

• Issue 4807 – Requests for Installment Agreements

The subcommittee has agreed to place this issue on hold until additional research could be completed by Donna Powers.
DECISION: The full committee agreed with all recommendations submitted by the screening committee.

Subcommittee Report(s) on Active Issues:

• Issue 3997 – Terminate “S” Election

Bob H. reported that his draft recommendation is almost complete and should be available for discussion by the next full committee meeting.

• Issue 4056 – Small Business Volunteer Tax Services

Bob P. reported that the subcommittee is still actively working this issue. During their last subcommittee meeting, the members discussed whether the original issue is being addressed or whether it has expanded into a broader issue. Bob P. also indicated that he rewritten the issue statement that includes more detail to explain exactly what the subcommittee would like to cover.

• Issue 4628 – Estimated Tax Package

Bob M. indicated that IRS has this issue under intense study. The IRS is now trying to come up with an immediate solution on what they will do for 2009. In addition, SAMS is working with IRS and providing suggestions. The subcommittee has also provided suggestions to SAMS, which was elevated to IRS. By the end of the month, IRS should have a plan for 2009 and elevated recommendations by the subcommittee may be incorporated.

• Issue 4729 – IRS Website – Add FAQ for Caregivers of the Elderly

Jim reported that the subcommittee is working on a draft frequently asked questions. TAP Analyst Donna Powers is working on locating VITA materials which is used for VITA training and should be a good resource for the subcommittee. She has also made contact with the National Association of Caregivers and the subcommittee will work together with them. By July 25, all subcommittee members should have a list of questions prepared to be discussed at the next meeting.

• Issue 4256 – EFTPS Delay in Posting of Tax Payments

Ben reported that this issue was elevated to SAMS; however there has been a problem contacting the practitioner that submitted the issue, for clarification. Since SAMS is unable to move forward on the issue, the issue has been sent back to the subcommittee. A letter was sent out, by the committee, to the practitioner giving him one more chance to provide the information.  He did not respond.   

The subcommittee will discuss this issue during their next teleconference before making their final recommendation.

Elevated Recommendation – Response to Issue 4566
Ben reported that the Joint Committee elevated issue number 4566 and IRS provided a quick response to the recommendation. The members were disappointed that IRS rejected their recommendation and only a partial response was received.

Ben explained that the committee has an option to accept the IRS response or to respond back to IRS with a rebuttal.
ACTION: Nancy agreed to follow up and gather additional information regarding the IRS decision and report back to the committee during their next teleconference.

Outreach Events
Kimberly explained that 30 outreach activities reported for the month of June. Over 11,000 people were reached during the committees efforts. Ben explained that this is an increase from May and congratulated the members on their efforts.

Ed explained that he will be participating in an outreach event on August 20 in Fort Dicks, NJ. There are usually 1,200 people in attendance. Ed invited members to join him in the effort.

Closing Assessment
Members were reminded to fax their meeting assessment to Sally. Ben closed the meeting and thanked the members and staff for their participation.