More than 125 tax professionals from across Eastern Pennsylvania recently attended the Working Together Conference, where they heard from practitioners and government representatives on key issues affecting taxpayers and the tax profession. A collaborative effort among the IRS, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, and several Pennsylvania practitioner organizations, the conference featured discussions on IRS digital transformation, artificial intelligence in tax administration, IRS collection activities, federal and state tax law updates, and insights from the recent filing season.  

A featured session focused on taxpayer advocacy and included Yvette Jackson of Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) Systemic Advocacy and Mitchell Gerstein, a member of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP). Together, they shared information about the important roles TAS and TAP play in identifying taxpayer concerns and improving IRS service. 

During the session, attendees learned about TAP’s history, mission, and committee structure, as well as its role as an independent Federal Advisory Committee. Although supported by TAS, TAP operates independently and brings a grassroots perspective to tax administration by identifying systemic issues, gathering taxpayer feedback, and developing recommendations to improve IRS products, services, and customer satisfaction.  

The presentation also highlighted accomplishments from TAP’s 2025 Annual Report, including collaboration with the IRS Notice Redesign Initiative to improve hundreds of IRS notices and ongoing efforts supporting expanded digital services for taxpayers. Attendees were encouraged to review TAP’s Annual Report and the more than 180 recommendations developed to improve the taxpayer experience.  

Conference participants received copies of TAP’s 2025 Annual Report, the Speak Up outreach pamphlet, and the TAS Taxpayer Roadmap. The session also provided an opportunity for tax professionals to share feedback and identify systemic issues for TAP’s review and consideration. 

Your Voice Matters 

If you have suggestions or concerns about IRS service, TAP wants to hear from you. Your feedback helps shape recommendations that improve IRS products, services, and the overall taxpayer experience. To submit a suggestion, complete Form 14388, Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) Issue Submission and make your voice heard. 

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