IRS seeks volunteers for taxpayer panel

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The Internal Revenue Service is seeking volunteers from Utah to serve as alternate members of its Taxpayer Advocacy Panel, a federal committee that listens to taxpayers, identifies key issues and makes recommendations for improving IRS service.

"TAP members give the IRS insights from every corner of our nation, helping the agency it is continuous effort to improve tax administration," IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said in a statement.

TAP provides a forum for taxpayers from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to raise concerns about IRS service and offer suggestions for improvement. It annually reports to the Secretary of the Treasury, the IRS Commissioners and the National Taxpayer Advocate.

The Office of the Taxpayer Advocate, an independent organization within the IRS, provides oversight of the TAP.

To be a member of the TAP 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. New TAP members will serve a three-year term starting in Dec. 2012. Those chosen as alternates will be considered to fill any vacancies that open in their state during the next three years.