At the IRS Nationwide Tax Forum in New York City, Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) member Sandra Johnson and a TAP staff member connected with nearly 200 tax professionals, many of whom learned about TAP for the first time. As a volunteer member, Sandra shared her firsthand experience serving on TAP and demonstrated how everyday citizens can help improve services provided by the IRS by listening to taxpayers, identifying opportunities for improvement, and developing recommendations that make a difference.
The conversations sparked interest and engagement. Tax professionals were excited to discover that there is a direct way to share ideas, discuss systemic issues, and contribute to meaningful improvements in IRS service. Just as importantly, they learned how to become part of the process by sharing suggestions, participating in outreach, or serving as a volunteer member with TAP.
Sandra proudly participated in an Executive Roundtable hosted by IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank Bisignano, joining about 20 tax professionals from across the country to discuss issues affecting taxpayers and the tax professional community. During the discussion, Sandra shared TAP’s role in bringing taxpayer and practitioner perspectives to the IRS. She also highlighted TAP’s recommendations for strengthening taxpayer protections through minimum competency standards of non-credentialed tax return preparers, ensuring IRS leadership heard taxpayers’ voices.
The tax forum demonstrated the impact of community engagement. Every conversation expanded awareness of the program, strengthened relationships with the tax community, and reinforced that meaningful improvements begin by listening to the people who use IRS services every day. Through volunteers like Sandra, TAP continues to connect communities with the IRS, transforming taxpayer feedback into recommendations that improve service for millions of taxpayers.
Have feedback about IRS services? TAP wants to hear from you. You can submit a suggestion by completing Form 14388, Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) Issue Submission. Make your voice heard by helping TAP identify issues and improve services for all taxpayers.
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