Well, maybe you’re in luck – sort of.
The IRS is looking for folks who are interesting in improving the IRS by being a member of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP). TAP provides a forum for taxpayers from all over the country to discuss and make recommendations to the IRS and Treasury on customer-service issues, as well as identify and prioritize taxpayer issues.
TAP is specifically looking for members to serve a three-year membership beginning in October 2006 from the following locations: Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Puerto Rico.
TAP is also accepting applications for alternate members (to replace members who do not complete their three-year membership term) from the following locations: Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina,Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
To qualify as a TAP member, you must be a U.S. citizen and be able to commit 300-500 hours during the year. In addition, you must be compliant with respect to tax obligations and pass a criminal background check.
You can apply online by visiting the TAP web site. Applications must be received by the TAP Office by April 28, 2006.