Interested Candidates From All States Encouraged to Apply by March 29
The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) is accepting applications to fill key membership positions for the 2025 year. All civic-minded citizens looking for new ways to serve their communities are encouraged to apply – no previous tax experience is required. TAP members volunteer to serve a three-year term and are expected to devote 200 to 300 hours per year to panel activities. TAP continues to make a difference in the U.S. tax system, and new members have a unique opportunity to join this dynamic group.
TAP members are selected in part to achieve demographic and geographic diversity, providing balanced representation from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, with an additional member representing the interests of taxpayers working, living, or doing business abroad.
Who Can Apply?
Federal advisory committees are required to have a balanced representation of different viewpoints. Therefore, applicants from under-represented groups, such as Native Americans and non-tax professionals, are particularly encouraged to apply.
TAP is currently seeking candidates in the following 29 states and territories: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia, and an International candidate to represent taxpayers living or working abroad.
However, candidates residing in all locations are encouraged to apply, as alternates will be chosen to fill any vacancies that may open during the year. All timely applications will be considered.
TAP members must be:
- U.S. citizens who are current with their federal tax obligations;
- Able to commit 200 to 300 volunteer hours during the year (you can read more at our Member Responsibilities page); and
- Able to pass a Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background check.
Members also cannot be federally registered lobbyists or current employees of the Department of the Treasury or the IRS. Former Treasury or IRS employees and former TAP members can be considered for appointment three years after their employment or previous TAP membership has ended. Tax practitioner applicants must be in good standing with the IRS (meaning not currently under suspension or disbarment).
New TAP members will serve a three-year term starting in December 2024. Applicants chosen as alternate members will be considered to fill any vacancies in their areas during the next three years. Applications must be submitted by March 29, 2024, to be considered.
Visit USAJobs for more details about how to apply to become a TAP member.
More About the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel
TAP is a federal advisory committee that serves an important role in tax administration. TAP members are a diverse group of citizens who possess a sense of civic duty, patriotism, and belief in an effective and well-regarded tax system.
TAP members volunteer their time and energy to improve IRS services and taxpayer satisfaction by listening to taxpayers, identifying issues, and making recommendations to improve IRS service and customer satisfaction.
For additional information about TAP’s legacy and legacy of advocacy, check out our About TAP page. For more details about TAP recruitment email the TAP staff at tap.recruitment@irs.gov, and watch our recruitment video for more information about how you can contribute to this dynamic group of volunteers and make a difference for taxpayers in your community.