TAP 04-043

Lien Processing

Statement of Issue:

The IRS is currently changing lien processing services from 32 geographically based Area offices, to a centralized model. Operating procedures have not been completed for the new centralized lien process and implementation has not yet occurred.

Proposal:

To increase the effectiveness of the new centralized lien process, the TAP Area 4 Committee proposed that IRS program owners include TAP members as external stakeholders as operating procedures are completed and the design goes to implementation. TAP members can represent all of the customers of the lien process: taxpayers, taxpayers’ representatives and other third parties. TAP involvement in the reorganization process can provide key stakeholder input that is currently missing.

3/1/2005 Helene Bayder forwarded the suggestion regarding including TAP members on lien centralization issues to the Transition Executive in SB/SE for consideration. 3/18/2005 Mary McLeish, the program manager for the lien suggestions are almost at the point of implementation but would like to speak to the committee to address their concerns/suggestions. 3/21/2005 Toy forwarded information to Area 4. Area 4 invited McLeish to next conference call.

Geneva Bagnato held a conference call with Area 4 regarding Lien Processing. Area 4 members present on the conference call were satisfied that their concerns when this issue was raised are being addressed by the changes IRS is making in the lien processing area. Area 4 thanked the IRS program owner for the update, and the opportunity to provide input into the decisions being made. This issue will be considered closed, without further need for follow-up, unless future concerns are brought up from the grassroots level once the new procedures are in place.