Area 5 Committee Meeting Minutes

July 11, 2006

Designated Federal Official:

• Marian Adams, Local Taxpayer Advocate

Committee Members Present

• Sandra Bland, Bemidji, MN
• Elizabeth Colvin, Austin, TX
• Howard Guthmann, St. Paul, MN
• Bob Meyers, Omaha, NE
• Ralph Rivera, Garland, TX
• Richard Rousseau, Killeen, TX
• Lee Stieger, Leavenworth, KS
• Mary Suther, Dallas, TX
• Warren Wong, Rochester, MN

Committee Members Absent

• Steve Landauer, Davenport, IA

TAP Staff

• Mary Ann Delzer, Program Analyst
• Patti Robb, Secretary

Visitors:

• Dominic McClure, H&R Block

Welcome / Roll Call / Review Agenda
Quorum met.

Area 5 Chair Report

• Approval of June 13, 2006, Minutes
  Minutes approved as submitted.

• Joint Committee Meeting - Stieger
  One of the big topics was the issue of TAP’s continuity from year to year. One idea they came up with was to move the elections before the annual meeting, to save time during the meeting. This should result in a better transition to the next year. There were three suggestions:
  
  1. Possible election of TAP chair and vice chair prior to the annual meeting
     
  2. Area chairs selected from returning members, but the vice chair could be a new member
     
  3. Issue chairs also elected prior to the annual meeting (problem is membership may change as people may change issue committees)

  Meyers said that TAP Chair Combs sent out an email requesting input on the issue. This is a change of philosophy as before everyone, even new members, could apply for chair positions. One of the options I plan to suggest is that maybe we elect a president elect, someone who is in their next to last year. Then at annual meeting you elect a new vice chair.

  Delzer noted that that the chair elect idea has been tried and you may you find the chair is not a good leader after all. It has not worked out well in the past. You are also excluding all the people who have then been on the panel for one year as they are not allowed to vote for a new chair.

  Guthmann said he feels the election process could be handled better at the annual meeting, but the issue flow is more important than who the chair is.

  Stieger added if the chairs are elected before hand, the old and new chair could work together to ensure a smooth transition.

  Wong said part of the problem is procedure and part of the problem is the person elected. We need a better definition of chair responsibilities.

  Guthmann teaches a course on volunteerism and said part of the problem is that some of the people are scared to run. He suggested that there should be a formal nominating committee. They could talk to the people who are interested in volunteering for a chair position.

  Stieger felt one of the problems is that it takes too long to get to know people. Maybe an individual’s information could be put on TAPSpeak.

  Delzer noted that the new people don’t have access to TAPSpeak so they won’t get to vote.

  Guthmann said there has to be a certain amount of trust for the people on the nominating committee. There could be a separate mailing to all members so everyone gets it and can vote.

The comments and responses on this issue are due August 28. Area 5 will have another meeting before then so everyone should forward their comments so it can be discussed at the next meeting.

ACTION: Panel members to consider email from Combs about how to improve the election process.

Area committees should consider developing a permanent screening subcommittee for new issues.

We are getting a new contractor for TAPSpeak so the Communication Committee is asking for your comments about TAPSpeak be sent to Maryann Motza.

They also talked about attendance at meetings as some areas are experiencing a problem. Please, if you are unable to attend a meeting, notify the chair or the staff as to why.

ACTION: Stieger will email a summary of Joint Committee meeting.

• Free File Report
  The report as submitted did not address what the Joint Committee had hoped would be addressed. They wanted us to address IRS Free File specifically. Report can also address taxpayers’ perceptions as well. A new draft was sent out which pretty well covers both issues and expresses our point of view. Stieger noted the Joint Committee wanted it shorter than the original report. Three of the write-ups for the Commissioner’s issues were accepted at the Joint Committee meeting. They were aware of the pending legislation from the finance committee. It was not included in this report since it still hasn’t passed. We should be concerned about what the IRS can do about this now.

  Rivera said it’s important to note that there is pressure coming from many different angles. We need specific comments on the latest draft. That should be our focus.

  Guthmann commented that the software vendors make a mistake by charging extra to file. Delzer will add something about bundling – software companies bundle all the fees – and then send forward. Bland likes the write-up. Consensus to forward report to Toy.

Issue Discussion

• Training for Forms/Pubs Employees - Landauer
  ACTION: Delzer will set up subcommittee meeting with the Chief of Individual Forms and Publications.

• Power Of Attorney (POA) Issues – Rousseau
  Consensus to elevate recommendation to the Joint Committee.

• Toll Free Issues – Guthmann
  We are waiting for some information from Landauer; will have something at the committee next meeting.

Outreach
Wong did an outreach – talked to 35 people who were members of SCORE – a chamber of commerce type committee. He also talked to a men’s group from church – about 15 members.

Meyers did an outreach while he was on vacation. A couple people he talked to expressed interest in becoming TAP members.

Guthmann did an outreach with American Institute of CPAs.

Rivera said outreach is a forum to gather issues as well as to get information out about TAP. The reporting is as important as doing the outreach.

Office Report
The Joint Committee will be sending out new success stories to all the members. As soon as that is completed, it will be forwarded to all TAP members. Gil Yanuck is working on this now.

All interviews have been done for Areas 4 and 5. Area 4 is meeting this week so McQuin, Robb and Delzer will be out of the office at the end of the week. All the managers and analysts will be in New Orleans the week of July 17. The secretaries should be in the office if you need anything.

Public Input
None.

Closing / Assessment
Bland – went well

Colvin – moved along fine

Guthmann – went fine

Meyers – Stieger did good job of explaining issues. Apologize for being gone.

Rivera – good meeting. Got full membership today except for one person.

Rousseau – apologized for joining the call late and seemed fine. Have been very busy lately but hope to catch up now.

Stieger– thanked Ralph for chance to go to Joint Committee meeting. Learned a lot and met some great people.

Suther – great meeting and thanked leadership of subcommittees. Great write-ups.

Wong – good meeting and got lots of good input.

Meeting Adjourned