The backgrounds of those selected all volunteers are from tax services, software companies, non-profit associations and financial and educational institutions. The Committee will review the strategic plan of ETA and provide comments and recommendations. It will also advise the Assistant Commissioner and Commissioner of key developments in the private sector that impact electronic filing and make recommendations as to how the IRS can improve its e-file programs. An orientation meeting of this committee was recently held and it is anticipated that it will play a significant role in the future of e-filing. There are many tax professionals who agree that electronic filing will eventually be mandatory and perhaps those who don't use it will be penalized.
Efforts are now underway to expand the use of e-filing in many different ways.
For instance, the IRS is looking for individuals with experience in developing business returns for electronic transmission testing. These people would aid in developing electronic test scenarios for Form 1065, U.S. Partnership Return of Income, as well as other related forms and schedules. Not only are their customers, the taxpayers, demanding it, so are members of Congress. This includes exploring the use of signature alternatives, credit cards and other methods that may be used to help them meet that goal. Joe Langer, immediate past president of the National Association of Computerized Tax Processors, sums it up this way.