Each year the IRS sponsors the Nationwide Tax Forums, a three-day series of tax education and networking conferences for tax professionals in cities around the country.

These events feature the latest information from the IRS, news about tax law changes, the chance to meet with software vendors and the opportunity to attend nearly 50 seminars presented by IRS employees and members of professional associations.

We’ve already written about the seminars TAS will offer. Now, we’re pleased to announce this year’s focus groups.

TAS holds focus groups at the forums to hear the practitioners’ perspective and gain valuable insights on trending problems or issues where we’ve heard concerns from the public. The focus group topics for 2017 are:

Installment Agreements: Are they working?

TAS wants to hear your thoughts, experiences and ideas about IRS installment agreements and the way the IRS determines the allowable living expenses considered in a payment plan.  This includes current practices and operations determining collection potential.

TAS wants to know what your expectations are when:

• Applying for streamline and non-streamline agreements;
• How you handle an impasse on the payment agreement; and
• How you use the different types of agreements and other issues.

What’s the Taxpayer Advocate Service?

TAS values your opinion and wants to hear your thoughts and experiences, as well as your ideas about the services offered by TAS, such as:  

• How best to raise awareness of TAS services;
• How you report issues affecting multiple taxpayers; and
• Suggestions for improvement.  

TAS works to assist taxpayers by resolving long-standing issues, and educating the public on taxpayer rights.  We want to hear your thoughts on how TAS is doing and how TAS can better help you.

TAS will hold the focus groups during the lunch break so you will not miss any continuing education credits. To sign up and attend the focus groups, please look for the TAS recruiters at the focus group booth near the registration area at the forums.  SPACE IS LIMITED, so sign up early.

2017 Tax Forum Dates

Source: taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov