Overview
Title
Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC); Nominations
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The IRS wants people who know a lot about taxes and computers to join a special team to help make filing taxes easier online. These people will help find better ways to do taxes without paper and don’t get paid, but they can have some of their travel money paid back.
Summary AI
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is looking for qualified candidates to join the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC). This volunteer position seeks individuals with expertise in areas such as tax administration, cybersecurity, tax software development, and consumer advocacy. Members will offer insights on electronic tax administration issues and work towards making paperless filing the preferred method of tax submission. Applicants must submit their nominations by March 1, 2021, and the selected members will serve three-year terms.
Abstract
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is requesting applications from individuals with experience in such areas as state tax administration, cybersecurity and information security, tax software development, tax preparation, payroll and tax financial product processing, systems management and improvement, implementation of customer service initiatives, public administration, and consumer advocacy to be considered for selection as members of the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC).
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document presents an opportunity from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for individuals to apply for a volunteer position on the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC). It serves as a call for applications from professionals in various sectors, including state tax administration, cybersecurity, and public administration, to contribute to the development of electronic tax administration policies.
General Summary
The IRS is actively seeking individuals to fill positions on the ETAAC. Members of this committee will play a crucial role in advising on the transformation of tax administration to favor electronic, paperless processes. The notice outlines the qualifications required for potential nominees, emphasizes equal opportunity practices, and explains aspects of the application process. The deadline for nominations is March 1, 2021, and selected members will have a three-year term to offer their expertise in enhancing IRS strategies.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues arise from the document that may concern potential applicants:
Lack of Clarity on Available Positions: The document does not specify the number of vacancies on the committee, making it difficult for interested individuals to gauge the competitiveness of the application process.
Unclear Time Commitment: While the positions are volunteer-based, the document does not clarify the expected time commitment, potentially deterring applicants who need this information for planning.
Expense Reimbursement Guidelines: Although travel expenses are covered, the absence of detailed guidelines could lead to uncertainty about what specific costs will be reimbursed. This information might be crucial for applicants who need to assess financial feasibility.
Security Clearance Process: The extensive vetting process, including FBI checks, may discourage qualified individuals concerned about privacy from applying. While such checks are necessary for integrity, they could still be a barrier.
Undefined Selection Process: The document requests specific qualifications but does not specify the selection criteria or decision-making process, leaving applicants uncertain about what might make their application successful.
Impact on the Public and Specific Stakeholders
Public Impact:
The document highlights a movement towards embracing digital processes within the IRS, which could streamline tax filings and potentially reduce fraud. This shift has broad implications for the general public, making tax processes more efficient and possibly reducing the environmental impact through decreased paper use.
Impact on Stakeholders:
Qualified Professionals: Those with expertise in the listed fields stand to benefit from contributing to meaningful change in tax administration. However, without clear selection criteria, some may feel their efforts in applying could be unrewarded.
Consumer Advocacy Groups: The call for consumer group representation signals an IRS commitment to consider the public's needs and experiences, potentially leading to policies that are more aligned with taxpayer realities.
Applicants Concerned with Privacy: The need for detailed security clearances, while important for combating fraud, may be seen negatively by those wary of disclosing personal information.
In summary, while the IRS's announcement represents a significant opportunity for professionals to influence electronic tax processes, the document could benefit from greater transparency and clarity in several areas to ensure it attracts a diverse and well-qualified pool of applicants.
Issues
• The document does not specify how many positions are available on the ETAAC, which could lead to ambiguity in the number of nominations needed.
• The document indicates that members serve on a volunteer basis, but it does not provide details about the time commitment required from members, which could be important for applicants to know.
• The document mentions that travel expenses will be reimbursed within government guidelines but does not specify what these guidelines are, which could lead to uncertainty about what expenses are covered.
• The security clearance process mentioned (fingerprints, annual tax checks, FBI criminal check) may deter qualified candidates concerned about privacy or the extent of vetting required, though it is necessary for the role.
• Although qualifications and specific skills are requested, the document does not outline a specific selection criteria or process, which could leave applicants unsure of how selections are made.