April 11, 2003
1:00pm-2:00pm EST

Welcome/Announcements/Review Agenda
Roll Call -taken by TAP Program Analyst Inez E. De Jesus; quorum was reached.

Quorum= 6
Total Members Present=7

As of April 1, 2003, the TAP Program Managers will serve as the Designated Federal Officials (DFO's) for the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Issue Committees.

Panel Members Present

• Abigail Alicea, Nashua, NH
• Mary Balmer, Chapel Hill, NC
• Elizabeth Brodbine-Ghoniem, MA-Vice-Chair
• Nancy L. Ferree, FL, Designated Federal Official (DFO)
• Sharon Lassar, Miami, FL-Chairperson
• Sharon Stetz, Salt Lake City, UT
• Bruce Twomley, Juneau, AK

Members Not Present

• Linda Bader, Chesterfield, MO
• Yvonne Gallegos-Bodle, Oxnard, CA
• Kenneth Logan, Blue Springs, MO
• Joseph Meissner, Cleveland, OH

TAP Staff and IRS Staff Present

• Toni Cross, MLI Program Owner
• Inez E. De Jesus, Program Analyst/Recorder
• Nikki Oyefeso, MLI Program Owner

Guests

• Dan Rinke, Commercial Clearing House (CCH)

Chairperson Lassar opened meeting by welcoming all and proceeded to address agenda items.

Review and Approval of Minutes (February 14, 2003) These minutes were reviewed and accepted.

Review Action Items from the Previous Meeting Sub-committees for all three MLI Problem Statements have met since the last teleconference meeting.

Subcommittees Status Reports

Problem Statement #1 (Subcommittee #1)- "Recommendations on how the IRS Can Better Assist Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Taxpayers in navigating the IRS system and understanding its processes"- led by Ken Logan. (Members: Balmer, Ghoniem, Logan & Stetz-

Committee Member Mary Balmer shared that she has received some documents that are related to LEP, and she will be reviewing these before the face-to-face meeting. Although she will not be in attendance, she will make sure to share her findings with all.

In essence, the committee is realizing that the focus should perhaps be on not so much on the translating of IRS materials into foreign languages, but on creating a document in English that informs the Limited in English individual through an interpreter, where to get assistance and what their tax obligations are. Balmer also shared that VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) has publications that provide this form of guidance.

Conclusion: find a document for taxpayers with LEP to understand their tax obligations and responsibilities which could be transitioned into Problem Statement #2.

Problem Statement #2 (Subcommittee #2)- Recommend Ways to Externally Identify and Validate Vital Documents" - led by Sharon Lassar. (Members: Lassar, Twomley, & Gallegos-Bodle)

Chairperson Lassar shared that she and Committee Member Yvonne Gallegos-Bodle have made several contacts. Lassar has received feedback that just letting the taxpayer know where to get assistance will be more helpful than translating documents.

There seems to be a great similarity between Problem Statement #1 and #2.

Chairperson Lassar also mentioned that the voluntary compliance system is a whole new process for Limited English Proficiency taxpayers. Lassar has noticed this with immigrants in Miami. These individuals just need to know how and where to get help. (Legally what documents are necessary.)

Chairperson Lassar shared that her contact with the Low Income Tax Clinic (LITC) personnel in Miami resulted in that they are interested in attending MLI's upcoming face-to-face meeting in Miami.

Committee member Balmer expressed that literacy may be an issue as well and that creation of a video might be another avenue to explore.

It was brought up during discussion that Form 911, "Application for Taxpayer Assistance Order - ATAO" had not been identified as an IRS document to be translated and Program Owner Oyefeso informed all that the IRS is addressing this.

The IRS has addressed the Spanish-Speaking community. Perhaps the next group to address should be the Chinese Community.

Problem Statement #3 (Subcommittee #3)- "Recommend Cost Effective Ways to Address the Needs of Recently Migrated Immigrant Groups" - led by Linda Bader. (Members: Bader, Alicea & Meissner)

Committee member Abigail Alicea reported that this sub-committee is in the beginning stages of seeking migrated groups.

Program Owner Oyefeso mentioned the importance of "outreach" activities by the panel members.

Final Plans for MLI's Face-to-Face Meeting
DFO Ferree reminded all that haven't made their travel and hotel reservations yet to please do so, and that the TAP Staff is available for assistance.

Program Owner Oyefeso asked if sub-committees needed copies to please let her or DFO Ferree know prior to the face-to-face meeting. Also, if any sub-committee wanted information from another sub-committee to please let this be known as well.

Public Participation/Input
None

Closing Remarks
None

Meeting Closed-by Chairperson.

Next Meeting:
Face-to-Face Meeting: Friday/Saturday, April 25/26, 2003, in Miami, Florida

April 25, 2003