Background

The Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC) is authorized under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92-463.  The ETAAC’s primary purpose is to provide continued input into the development and implementation of the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS’) strategy for electronic tax administration.  The ETAAC will provide an organized public forum for discussion of electronic tax administration issues in support of the overriding goal that paperless filing should be the preferred and most convenient method of filing tax and information returns. 

Mission and Composition

The ETAAC offers constructive observations about current or proposed policies, programs, and procedures. The ETAAC’s objectives will continue to evolve. Discussions will focus on solutions to problems as well as constructive observations of electronic tax administration. ETAAC meetings provide an opportunity for industry and academic leaders to offer collective advice on electronic tax administration issues facing the IRS. In an annual report to Congress, ETAAC recommends what actions the IRS should take to improve electronic tax administration.

The organizational representation of the ETAAC will reflect balanced membership and will include representatives from various groups including: tax practitioners and preparers, computerized tax processor communities, the small business community, and other representatives from the electronic filing industry. 

Desired Skills and Qualifications

1. Experience in electronic tax administration including e-commerce, e-gov, and electronic filing, payment, and communications options.
2. Experience in strategic planning and/or change management.
3. Experience in systems management and improvement.
4. Experience in implementing customer service initiatives.
5. Experience in sales or marketing to individual and small business consumers.
6. Experience in public policy development.
7. Hands-on experience resolving major issues in key market segments.
8. Experience in the development of effective communication networks within the tax community.
9. Experience establishing strategic partnerships with external groups, including Federal and state entities.
10. Ability to formulate, develop, and present proposals for the ETAAC and
    Commissioner’s consideration.

Typical Meetings

The agenda for each public meeting will be developed jointly by IRS and the ETAAC.  Subgroups, which will comprise ETAAC members and IRS executives, address specific electronic tax administration issues.  Subgroups will interact throughout the year through working sessions, periodic conference calls, written correspondence, and other methods of communication. 

ETAAC Commitments 

ETAAC members are expected to attend all public meetings and formal working sessions held during their three-year term (estimated to be approximately 100 hours each year on ETAAC activities). Each June, ETAAC is required to provide an annual report to Congress on IRS’ progress with electronic tax administration.

All applicants and members must be current with filing and paying all federal taxes. Annual Federal income tax and FBI background checks are required. ETAAC members are not paid for their services. However, travel expenses to the public meetings, working and orientation sessions, such as air fare, per diem, and transportation to and from the airport, may be reimbursed within prescribed Federal travel limitations.

Summary

The ETAAC will provide support to the IRS and will help shape electronic tax administration.  Membership on the ETAAC requires expertise in electronic tax administration, a personal commitment of approximately 100 hours a year, and a desire to help shape the electronic tax administration system.

For information, please send an e-mail to etaac@irs.gov or contact:
Internal Revenue Service
Electronic Tax Administration
ATTN: Cassandra Daniels, (C4-226)
SE:W:ETA:S:RM
5000 Ellin Road, Mailstop (C4-470)
Lanham, MD  20706
202.283.2178
202.283.4829 (FAX)