The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs include international certification. However, there are limited services to support qualifying international Taxpayers. The Stakeholders, Partners, Education & Communication (SPEC) officers should encourage existing VITA, TCE, and LITC programs/Partners to offer international taxpayers support via a virtual tax preparation service and run a campaign to find partners suitable to become VITA, TCE, and LITC program providers at international sites to meet the face-to-face demand. Please list these organizations and locations on the IRS website as well.

Goal Statement:

Highlight existing virtual VITA, TCE, and LITC services for international taxpayers on the IRS website, expand VITA, TCE, and LITC virtual and international services, and search for appropriate partners to open these programs internationally.

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How important is this project to you?

1 2 3 4 5

Not very important

Extremely important

Opened:

2023

status:

Elevated

Status Date:

Taxpayer Communications Committee

Project 01025

Employer identification number online

Project Statement:

The IRS needs to improve the EIN online application experience for taxpayers requesting an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Goal Statement:

The goal of this project is to increase user friendliness when applying for an EIN.

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How important is this project to you?

1 2 3 4 5

Not very important

Extremely important

Opened:

2024

status:

Elevated

Status Date:

Notices & Correspondence Committee

Project 01026

CP05 We're Holding Your Refund

Project Statement:

Letters and Notices are tax account related, public-use correspondence created because of an account related activity or condition. Determine if the CP05, clearly communicates appropriate guidance to the public.

Goal Statement:

The goal of this project is to review and make recommendations to the IRS that will enhance customer service and improve the taxpayers’ experience. Letters and Notices are sometimes hard to understand and make it difficult for taxpayers to comply with tax law.

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How important is this project to you?

1 2 3 4 5

Not very important

Extremely important

Opened:

2025

status:

Elevated

Status Date:

Toll-Free Phone Line

Project 01031

On-line live chat feature

Project Statement:

Incorporate a live-chat feature in current and future chatbots, identifying options for elements, processes, and scalability to be included in the design of the live-chat.

Goal Statement:

The goal of this referral is to support the mission of the IRS to “provide America’s taxpayers with top quality service.” This referral recommends that taxpayers be transferred to a live agent when a chatbot is unable to provide the information necessary to sufficiently guide, direct or provide information to the taxpayer. This referral further identifies key elements for implementation of an on-line live-chat feature to provide direct customer service to taxpayers. The Committee recommends that these features be incorporated into any applicable IRS website page. This recommendation is in accordance with paragraphs 1-3,7,8 and 10 of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Additionally, several protections outlined in the Taxpayer First Act are also supported by these recommendations, including: improved customer service, organizational modernization, and the development of information technology.

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How important is this project to you?

1 2 3 4 5

Not very important

Extremely important

Opened:

2025

status:

Elevated

Status Date:

Tax Forms & Publications Committee

Project 01041

Form 8832 Entity Classification Election

Project Statement:

Evaluation of the Form 8832 and instructions related to grassroots issues regarding clarity, complexity and redundancy taxpayers experience while attempting to complete.

Goal Statement:

The goal of this project is to review and make recommendations to the IRS that will enhance customer service and improve the taxpayers’ experience. The goal of the Tax Forms and Publications Committee (TF&P) is to promote greater efficiency in the communication and implementation of tax laws. The suggested changes will lead to better and more understandable communications between taxpayers and the IRS and promote a better relationship with taxpayers

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How important is this project to you?

1 2 3 4 5

Not very important

Extremely important

Opened:

2025

status:

Elevated

Status Date:

Notices & Correspondence Committee

Project 01042

5071C ID Theft and related docs

Project Statement:

Letters and Notices are tax account related, public-use correspondence created because of an account related activity or condition. Determine if the 5071C, clearly communicates appropriate guidance to the public

Goal Statement:

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How important is this project to you?

1 2 3 4 5

Not very important

Extremely important

Opened:

2025

status:

Elevated

Status Date:

Special Projects Committee

Project 01043

Improve the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

Project Statement:

Develop a tool to improve services and finality by assisting taxpayers to validate the status of the ITIN or renew one, if expired, reducing duplicative filings and errors.

Goal Statement:

The purpose of this tool would be to allow taxpayers to verify the status of their ITINs before filing a tax return.

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How important is this project to you?

1 2 3 4 5

Not very important

Extremely important

Opened:

2025

status:

Elevated

Status Date:

Tax Forms & Publications Committee

Project 01070

Form 1098 Mortgage Interest Statement & Instructions

Project Statement:

Evaluation of the Form 1098 and instructions related to grassroots issues regarding clarity, complexity and redundancy taxpayers experience while attempting to complete

Goal Statement:

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How important is this project to you?

1 2 3 4 5

Not very important

Extremely important

Opened:

2025

status:

Elevated

Status Date:

Notices & Correspondence Committee

Project 01071

CP 23

Project Statement:

Letters and Notices are tax account related, public-use correspondence created because of an account related activity or condition. Determine if the CP23, clearly communicates appropriate guidance to the public

Goal Statement:

View recommendations

How important is this project to you?

1 2 3 4 5

Not very important

Extremely important

Opened:

2024

status:

Elevated

Status Date:

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Understand the Process

Check out the Understand the Process page, to learn more about the lifecycle of a project or recommendation within the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel.

Current Report

2025 TAP Annual Report

The six core project committees submitted 20 projects to the IRS for consideration during the 2025 TAP year. These referrals contained 188 recommendations to the IRS.

2025 TAP Annual Report

The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel

(TAP) has forwarded more than 3,169 recommendations to the IRS. Our volunteer members act as a two-way channel between the IRS and the general public to listen to taxpayers, identify projects, submit recommendations, resolve problems, and monitor progress in implementing and maintaining solutions.

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