Program Updates The International Visitors' Program (IVP) will continue to offer virtual meetings and will resume in-person visits beginning May 8, 2022. All visits will be held in adherence with CDC guidelines in place at the time of each visit. For more information regarding current CDC guidelines, email the International Visitors' Program Specialist. Overview The International Visitors Program (IVP) provides government officials from other countries with an opportunity to receive clear and concise briefings on the U.S. Internal Revenue Service's programs and policies. The briefings, given by IRS experts, assist the foreign country with its organization, strategic goals and plans. It is not a venue for training. The IRS does NOT accept applications from non-government entities, interns, fellows, or students working on degrees or research. Applications must originate from the country's taxing authority. Restrictions may apply for visiting IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers, Call Sites, and Submission Processing Centers. Visits to Computing Centers are not allowed. Application Policies and Procedures An IVP Application requesting a visit to the IRS must be in writing and sent 45 days in advance to provide enough time for the IRS International Visitors' Program (IVP) Office to schedule presentations on the topics requested, identify the IRS experts who will meet with the officials, and allow the experts sufficient time to prepare the presentations. This also gives the visiting delegation the necessary time to make travel arrangements, apply for visas, etc. An application must come through appropriate government channels, and all participants must be national, state or local government officials involved in taxation. The IRS has limitations for the IVP: One visit per quarter – up to four visits per year A maximum of six delegates per visit Three days with no more than three topics per day – nine topics maximum The IRS does not charge for these programs. All travel, lodging, meals and logistical arrangements are the responsibility of the visiting country. Security/Access to IRS buildings All visitors MUST go through IRS security screenings. Please include a list of the participants/delegates on the application for the security officials. All foreign officials visiting IRS offices must have valid passports to enter any IRS facilities. U.S. residents accompanying the officials must have a photo ID issued by a government agency, such as a driver's license. Visitors may not take photographs or videos in the IRS facilities. Where to Send the IVP Application Send the completed application using email to international.visitors.program@irs.gov. If you have any questions or wish to discuss the program before submitting the written request, please email Shawn Hooks and Robert Tallman. Our standard business hours are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.– 4:30 p.m., U.S. Eastern Standard Time. Intermediary Organizations The IRS is happy to work with intermediary organizations funded by the U.S. Government. These organizations are welcome to help the country prepare the IVP Application, even though the application itself must ultimately come from the requesting country. Worldwide Consulting, Educational and Technical Assistance for Foreign Tax Administrations The United States Department of Treasury Office of Technical Assistance provides in-depth consulting, educational programs and technical assistance to the tax administrations of developing countries. OTA activities span the globe and cover the entire complex of issues countries face in improving the effectiveness of their tax administrations and tax policy. Programs are currently being delivered or developed in Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. For more information, email the Treasury Office of Technical Assistance.
