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CITIZEN ADVOCACY PANEL (CAP)

New York Metro Meeting Minutes

 

Date: August 22, 2001

Time: 6:00-9:20 PM

Location: 10 MetroTech Center, 625 Fulton Street, 6th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Panel Members Attending

  • Anthony Fandozzi, Vice-Chairperson
  • Laura Greenberg
  • Edward Maher, Chairperson
  • Matthew Mihovich
  • Louis Morizio, Acting DFO
  • Ethel Richards

 

CAP Staff Attending

  • James McGurn
  • Rosaura Montgomery

 

Absentees

  • Horace Aiken
  • Eileen Cain
  • Mercedes Cintrón

 

Public Attendees

  • Walter Fish
  • James Grimaldi
  • Paul Nagel
  • Leonard Steinberg


Other Guests

  • Mary Ann Delzer, Staff Mid-West CAP

 

Opening of the Meeting
Chairperson Maher opened the meeting at 6:00 PM.

Minutes
The minutes from the 7/19/01 meeting were reviewed. Panel member Mihovich made a motion to accept the minutes. Seconded by panel member Laura Greenberg and agreed by the panel.

New Panel Members
Panel Chair Maher introduced the new finalist candidates for panel membership. He gave them an overview of the program, some local success stories and encouraged them to bring their ideas to the panel.

Dallas Tax Forum
Vice-Chair Fandozzi and panel member Mihovich gave an overview of the Dallas Tax Forum. The issues that they heard at the forum were: OIC process, local examiners making decisions, refund letters are delayed, delays in POA processing, fraud lines, unable to reach a live representative on phone lines, expansions of CAP phone lines, more audits needed, 941 processing issues, EIN processing, EITC check list, error rate manual keypunching returns, installment agreement bills, and fairness issue for self-employed individuals wanting to deduct health premiums.

ICP/SERP
Panel member Mihovich expressed concern about the use of ICP/SERP. Mihovich explained that these programs were put to the test. He explained that the ICP was difficult to operate and SERP was a waste of time based on three questions posted on the system. Mihovich suggested that the system be changed to act like a web site with link words for more options in obtaining the answer to any question proposed. Other panel members disagreed and suggested that employees be trained. The employees should use the systems as opposed to Publication 17. Louis Morizio is expected to conduct ICP training the week of August 20, 2001 for employees in the Taxpayer Advocate Service in Brooklyn.

Kiosk Issues
Panel Member Mihovich informed panel members that the KIOSK costs are as follows:

  • $500 to move
  • $3,000 to reprogram
  • $1,500 for annual maintenance.

Panel is considering the use of CAP budget to provide taxpayers the Kiosk in our area. Vice-Chairperson Fandozzi indicated it may be unwise to use CAP budgets to purchase and maintain IRS hardware. We should not set this precedent in our desire to get things done. He went on to say the Taxpayer Education Video proposed by our panel is on hold because of funding. CAP has been asked to fund this $300,000 project if we are interested in seeing that it move forward. CAP should not be put in the position that recommendations will move forward if CAP is willing to pay with its budget. CAP’s budget has not been designed to pay for IRS improvements. CAP members discussed the option to choose where the Kiosk will be placed, since the Kiosk is for external use and provides tax information in five different languages. Panel members will take this into consideration and consider where it will be placed.

Sub-Committee Panel Member Listing
The Sub-Committee Panel Members list was reviewed. Since, we will soon have new panel members; the sub-committee panel member listing will be updated to reflect new members’ participation.
The Sub-Committees are as follows:

  • Small Business
  • Marketing
  • Statute of Limitations
  • Citizen Suggestions
  • Fraud
  • Balance Performance Measures
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Issues
  • Earned Income Tax Credit
  • Form/Publications
  • Language Diversity
  • Web Site

 

Cap Chair Conference Call Report
Chairperson Maher discussed the CAP Chair Conference call held on August 16, 2001. A copy of his report is attached and is an integral part of these minutes. The next chair call is scheduled for September 7, 2001.

Tax Assistance Centers (Toll Free & Walk-In Changes)
Panel member Mihovich expressed concern about the service provided by the toll free lines and proposed changes in the training of service employees. Member Mihovich explained that these employees need more training to successfully perform their jobs. A suggestion was also made concerning extended business hours. A letter will be sent to media relations as a follow up to the panel’s suggestion on paid advertising for filing season services being offered to the public.

New Business
Former Panel Member Burt Kahn made a proposal on Long-Term care (and HMO) Premiums. A copy of his recommendation was given to panel members and is attached to these minutes. His proposal will be further discussed at the next meeting.

Adjournment
Panel Member Greenberg made a motion to adjourn and Panel Member Fandozzi seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 9:23 PM

 


I hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the foregoing minutes are accurate and complete.
Edward Maher, Chairperson
New York Metro Citizen Advocacy Panel