SB/SE E-Filing Issue Committee Meeting Minutes

May 13, 2004

Attendance

• Dick Bobb
• Aimee Brace
• David Cain
• Patrick McCombie
• Howard Perkins

Public Participants

• Teresa Douglas, H&R Block, Kansas City

Program Owners

• Karen Taylor
• Terri Wedepohl

Staff

• Sandy McQuin, Designated Federal Official
• Mary Ann Delzer, TAP Analyst

Welcome/Announcements/Review Agenda/Roll Call
Brace welcomed the members to the meeting.

Timeline for E-File marketing to tax professionals
Taylor gave an update on the timeline for the project. Wedepohl took the comments from the March meeting and incorporated them into the E-file Made Easy product. Worked on the Myths Q&As and the cover letter. Did send the package out to a group of tax professionals. The group included participants from the National Association of Enrolled agents, National Association of Tax Professionals and two ETAAC members. Some feedback has been received. So far, good reviews of the product. Found it is easy to understand. Felt was all inclusive for the professional. Package went out in April, right around the time the filing season was ending. Have not heard back from everyone and so will follow up this week.

Wedepohl has more updating to do with the website. Some of the links have changed.

Wedepohl did two versions of the Myths Q&As. One version is in text format and the other two column table.

ACTION: Wedepohl will send out the Myths Q&As for TAP comment on the preferred format.

Taylor reported that her Director, Phyllis Grimes, shared the package with Sherrill Fields, the Director of TEC, and she wants to see the print package we plan to mail out to see what it will really look like. Also shared the E-File Made Easy website with the ad agency. They are currently developing an ERO recruitment campaign. Shared the products with the “e-file” brand manager at IRS. All are happy with the product and are looking to get the ad agency to promote the product.

The product was also introduced through an IVT to the TEC Tax Specialists. They are currently making their plans to go out to make their site visits with tax practitioners. This will be part of their toolkit.

Plan is to get the packet out to TAP later in the month of May. This will be a mock up before packet goes to final print. Bobb asked if the website could be shared with the wider TAP audience. Wedepohl reminded the group that the site is an orphan and can only be found with the link.

ACTION: Delzer to send out link for the E-file Made Easy to the TAP for comments.

ACTION: Delzer to send to Taylor the current addresses for the TAP members.

Brace asked about the actual components of the direct mail package. Taylor stated the cover letter, myths Q&As, and e-file key messages. The cover letter will send the practitioners to the Made Easy site. Brace stated that these practitioners are not computer people and they need a hard copy to get their attention. Wedepohl stated they were also thinking about sending out a print-out of the ERO Spotlight testimonials and include those in the mailings.

Public Input
No comments.

Office Report
McQuin reported that the recruitment process was completed. TAP members are being asked to assist in interviewing. Several different cities will be used, including the cities with TAP offices.

TAP will be represented at the Tax Forums. Wedepohl is working on a presentation to continue to make the case for e-file. Looking to burn a CD for distribution at the presentation. Hoping to have the CD available at the TAP booth. McQuin asked that TAP members be recognized at the Tax Forums for their work on their project.

Brace asked about what is next as the project for this issue committee seems to be wrapping up. McQuin said that many issue committees have completed their tasks. The Joint Committee will be discussing. Before the new group of volunteers comes on board, will be looking at what issue committees will be working for the next two years. May be going in another direction.

Bobb asked if a further break down is available for the filing season in regard to e-file, other than what Delzer has sent out. Taylor stated that IRS has a more detailed breakdown between W&I and SBSE taxpayers. Was a greater increase in the growth for SBSE, but admittedly there is more potential for improvement in that population

ACTION: Taylor to send out statistics for e-file growth in W&I and SBSE segments.

ACTION: Committee to give Wedepohl feedback on improving the paper vs. e-file flowchart. Wedepohl to re-send flowchart to the committee.

ACTION: Taylor to send print information for the direct mail package out to the Committee to comment.

ACTION: Committee members to note future E-File committee meetings to ensure a quorum for the remaining meetings.

All meetings are at 3 p.m. E.T.

• June 10, 2004
• July 8, 2004
• August 12, 2004
• September 9, 2004

October 7, 2004

Closing/Assessment
On behalf of the committee, Brace thanked Taylor and Wedepohl for all their efforts in making the project come together.