Overview
Title
Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee; Request for Nominations
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The IRS is looking for people to help them make their online tax systems better and keep them safe. They want people with experience, like those who know about making tax software or keeping information secure, and they need to apply by the end of January next year.
Summary AI
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is seeking nominations and applications for membership in the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC). Applicants should have experience in areas such as tax administration, cybersecurity, tax software development, and consumer advocacy. This advisory committee provides input on electronic tax administration strategies and identity theft prevention efforts. The volunteer position involves a three-year term, with travel expenses reimbursed according to government guidelines. Applications are due by January 31, 2025, and must include a completed form and resume, along with a statement detailing relevant skills and qualifications.
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 under review is a notice from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), requesting nominations and applications for the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC). This advisory committee plays a crucial role in shaping the strategy for electronic tax administration and dealing with issues such as identity theft prevention related to tax refunds. Applications are due by January 31, 2025, and the IRS seeks individuals with expertise in fields such as tax administration, cybersecurity, tax software development, and consumer advocacy.
General Summary
The IRS is opening its doors to a variety of professionals who can contribute to the development and implementation of its electronic tax strategies. This volunteer position on the ETAAC lasts for three years and includes reimbursement of travel expenses per government guidelines. The IRS encourages applications from a diverse pool of candidates to ensure a broad range of insights and expertise. The committee's work includes preparing an annual report for Congress by June 30 each year.
Significant Issues and Concerns
A few important concerns emerge from the document:
Lack of Position Clarity: The document does not specify the number of available positions on the ETAAC, which may lead to confusion among applicants about their chances of being selected.
Inclusivity in Selection: There is no explicit mention of diversity and inclusion efforts within the selection process. This omission might lead to skepticism about whether the committee will reflect a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds.
Stringent Clearance Process: The requirement of fingerprints and a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal check, alongside tax checks, could act as a deterrent for some prospective applicants, questioning its necessity for a volunteer role.
Public Input Uncertainty: The document states that members will convey the public’s perceptions but lacks specifics on how these perceptions will be gathered and used, making the public engagement strategy somewhat unclear.
Impact on the Public and Specific Stakeholders
Broad Public Impact:
The IRS's effort to enhance electronic tax administration could significantly benefit taxpayers by making tax filing more efficient and secure. Improved methods to combat identity theft and refund fraud are key issues that this committee will address, potentially leading to increased confidence in digital tax processes.
Specific Stakeholder Impact:
Potential Members: Professionals in relevant industries could gain valuable experience and influence IRS policy development, thus contributing positively to the broader tax community.
Consumer Groups and Diverse Communities: If the committee does not actively include a diverse range of representatives, there is a risk that certain consumer groups’ concerns and unique perspectives might be underrepresented. This could affect these groups' trust in IRS initiatives.
IRS as an Institution: By incorporating a variety of expert opinions, the IRS stands to benefit from innovative ideas and solutions. However, overlooking diversity goals in the candidate selection could foster criticism concerning its commitment to inclusive practices.
In summary, while the IRS’s call for nominations promises an opportunity for varied expertise to inform its strategic objectives, the lack of explicit diversity considerations and clarity on the committee’s public engagement approach might hinder its effectiveness in serving the public interest. This notice invites a strategic collaboration where public trust and stakeholder representation need to be prioritized for the ETAAC to fulfill its intended role successfully.
Issues
• The document text does not specify how many positions are available on the ETAAC, which may lead to confusion about the number of appointees expected.
• The nomination and application process could potentially favor individuals or organizations already familiar with IRS processes, if no clear outreach to diverse groups is established.
• The requirement for a clearance process including fingerprints, tax checks, and criminal checks may be a barrier for some applicants without clear justification for its necessity in a volunteer position.
• Language related to 'an organized public forum for discussion' could be more specific about how public input will be solicited and used, creating potential ambiguity around engagement strategies.
• The text mentions that members convey the public's perceptions of IRS electronic tax administration activities, but it does not clarify the methodology for how these perceptions are gathered.
• There is no mention of diversity and inclusion in the selection process, which could raise concerns about ensuring diverse representation in this advisory committee.