Yes, really. The IRS is looking for folks to volunteer to serve on the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) for a three year term starting in December 2011.
TAP is a federal advisory committee that listens to taxpayers, identifies key issues and makes recommendations for improving IRS service. The TAP provides an annual report to the Secretary of the Treasury, the IRS Commissioner and the National Taxpayer Advocate, Nina E. Olson.
To serve, you must be a U.S. citizen, current with your federal tax obligations, able to commit 300 to 500 hours during the year and able to pass an FBI criminal background check.
The TAP is seeking members in the following locations: Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Alternates are needed for Iowa, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota and West Virginia.
Applications will be accepted through April 29, 2011. You can apply online at www.improveirs.org or call 1-888-912-1227.
I served on TAP and it was a great experience. Yes, if you work in the tax field the meetings can make your schedule hell, but it was worth all the 23 hour days!