IRSAC Releases Its 2015 Annual Report

Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council (IRSAC) held its annual public meeting today and released its annual report for 2015 to the IRS Commissioner. The report includes recommendations on a wide range of tax administration issues.

The IRSAC is an advisory group to the entire agency. The IRSAC’s primary purpose is to provide an organized public forum for the Commissioner, senior IRS executives and representatives of the public to discuss relevant tax administration issues.

“Members of IRSAC volunteer their time and energy to provide us with valuable feedback and suggestions regarding the most important issues affecting all types of taxpayers," said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen.

Advisory council members convey the public’s perception of professional standards and best practices for tax professionals and IRS activities, offer constructive observations regarding current or proposed IRS policies, programs, and procedures, as well as suggest improvements to IRS operations.

Based on its report findings and discussions over the last year, the IRSAC made several recommendations on a broad range of issues and concerns including:

• The IRS needs sufficient funding to operate efficiently and effectively, provide timely and useful guidance and assistance to taxpayers, and enforce current law, so that the integrity of, and respect for, our voluntary tax system is maintained.
• Identity authentication of the Form 1040 series.
• Third-party payer arrangements for employment taxes
• Continuity of independence, strength and visibility of the Office of Professional Responsibility.
• Statutory authority of the IRS to regulate tax practice.
• International Information Return Penalties.

Commissioner Koskinen congratulated and thanked seven members of the Council ending their three-year terms this year:

• Fred Murray, IRSAC Chairman – Managing Director, Tax Accounting Risk Advisory & International Tax Service at Grant Thornton, LLP, Washington D.C.
• Michele Gaines – Jackson, Jackson & Jackson, Pittsburgh, P.A.
• Luis Parra – Key Accounting, Bronx, N.Y.
• Mark Mesler – Ernst & Young, LLP, Atlanta, G.A.
• Andre’ Re – Andre’ L. Re, McDonough, G.A.
• Karen Salemi – Zero Chaos, Pepperell, M.A.
• Sherrill Trovato – Sherrill L. Trovato, Fountain Valley, C.A.

The IRSAC is administered by the National Public Liaison Office.  The IRSAC draws its members from the taxpaying public, the tax professional community, small and large businesses and the payroll community.

The 2015 Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council Public Report can be found on IRS.gov.