About the Office of Taxpayer Burden Reduction |
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Check Project and Status page for Taxpayer Burden Reduction efforts currently under development, as well as those recently completed.
What is the Office of Taxpayer Burden Reduction?
As a part of IRS’s effort to reduce burden on taxpayers, the IRS formed the Office of Taxpayer Burden Reduction (TBR) in early 2002.
TBR’s mission is to achieve significant burden reduction for taxpayers, by
- Developing burden reduction proposals;
- Coordinating and championing burden reduction throughout IRS; and
- Working with Congress, state and Federal agencies, taxpayers and practitioners to identify and implement meaningful burden reduction efforts.
What is Taxpayer Burden?
Taxpayer Burden is defined as the time and money taxpayers spend to comply with their federal tax obligations.
How is the TBR focusing Its Efforts?
The TBR is focusing its efforts in four major areas:
- Simplifying forms and publications;
- Streamlining internal policies and procedures;
- Promoting less burdensome rulings and laws; and
- Assisting in the development of a new, more accurate burden measurement methodology.
Can the Public Submit Ideas for Reducing Taxpayers Burden?
Yes. Form 13285A, Reducing Tax Burden on America’s Taxpayers, may be used to submit ideas to the TBR.
How will IRS Select Burden Reduction Initiatives?
Burden reduction initiatives will be evaluated and prioritized by:
- Determining the number of taxpayers impacted;
- Quantifying the total time and out-of-pocket savings for taxpayers;
- Evaluating any adverse impact on IRS’s voluntary compliance efforts;
- Assessing the feasibility of the initiative, given IRS resource limitations; and
- Tying the initiative into IRS objectives.
Not all burden reduction proposals can be implemented. For example, IRS doesn’t have the ability to change existing tax laws. Proposals involving legislative changes should be submitted directly to congressional representatives.
Who will select Burden Reduction Initiatives?
Major burden reduction initiatives will be selected by the IRS Taxpayer Burden Reduction Council. This Council consists of top level executives representing all major operating units of the IRS.
References/Related Topics
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Page Last Reviewed or Updated: October 23, 2008