Statement of Issue:

In states, such as Maine, where there are highly rural less-populated areas, the numbers listed for the local IRS office are often long distance calls. Calling the listed numbers causes some taxpayers to incur a toll charge just to find out they should have called a toll free number instead.

Proposal:

• Change description in telephone book to read, "IRS - recorded message service only."
• List the IRS toll free number and its purpose
• Educate all local Taxpayer Advocate Service offices about the toll charges in their area so they are aware of the expense for their constituents.

Response Notes:

Program owner responded to TAP through discussion at subcommittee meeting. Changes have occurred to telephone system and original proposal needs to be redefined to address changes.