IRS Invites Public Feedback on Nationwide Access to Appeals, IR-2023-101

The IRS Independent Office of Appeals, in coordination with the National Taxpayer Advocate, has invited public feedback on how it can improve conference options for taxpayers and representatives who are not located near an Appeals office, encourage participation of taxpayers with limited English proficiency and ensure accessibility by persons with disabilities. Taxpayers can send their comments to ap.taxpayer.experience@irs.gov by July 10, 2023.

Appeals resolve federal tax disputes through conferences, wherein an appeals officer will engage with taxpayers in a way that is fair and impartial to taxpayers as well as the government to discuss potential settlements. Additionally, taxpayers can resolve their disputes by mail or secure messaging. Although, conferences are offered by telephone, video, the mode of meeting with Appeals is completely decided by the taxpayer. Recently, appeals expanded access to video conferencing to meet taxpayer needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, taxpayers and representatives who prefer to meet with Appeals in person have the option to do so as, appeals has a presence in over 60 offices across 40 states where they can host in-person conferences.