

IR-2009-66, July 14, 2009
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced a series of public forums at which individuals and representatives of diverse constituent groups will be able to provide input on the development of tax preparer performance standards.
The public forums, a crucial part of an effort launched in June by IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman to help ensure tax preparers are qualified, ethical and provide a high level of service, will kick off on July 30 in Washington, D.C.
“These public meetings will be an important part of the dialogue as we move toward a set of comprehensive recommendations by the end of this year,” Shulman said. “We want an open discussion on how to strengthen the overall integrity of our tax system.”
Two panels are scheduled for a forum on July 30. The first panel will give consumer groups an opportunity to provide recommendations. These groups include the AARP, Consumer Federation of America, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, National Community Tax Coalition and Low Income Tax Clinics.
The second panel will be made up of tax professional groups, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the National Association of Enrolled Agents, the National Association of Tax Professionals and the National Society of Accountants.
The two panels will take place at the Ronald Reagan Building amphitheater in Washington starting at 9 a.m. on July 30. People interested in attending should confirm attendance by sending an e-mail message to: CL.NPL.Communications@irs.gov.
The IRS also plans to convene meetings with other constituent groups later this summer and fall. Input will be sought from:

Federal and state organizations


IRS advisory groups, including the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council (IRSAC), the Information Reporting Program Advisory Committee (IRPAC), the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC), the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) and the Advisory Committee on Tax Exempt and Government Entities (ACT)


Unaffiliated and individual tax preparers and groups


Private firms that support tax preparers

The dates and locations of these meetings will be announced as they become available. Small groups of tax preparers will also have the opportunity this summer to meet with IRS representatives to present their ideas at the IRS Nationwide Tax Forums.
The Nationwide Tax Forums this year include: Orlando, Aug. 4-6; New York, Aug. 25-27; Dallas, Sept. 8-10; and Atlanta, Sept. 22-24.
Related Item: Tax Return Preparer Review 
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