IRS Appeals Forms New Office to Help IRS Exam Resolve Disputes Earlier and Easier

For years, the IRS has offered alternative dispute resolution (ADR) at various stages of the tax administrative process. Use of ADR, however, has been declining in recent years. With this new office, IRS Appeals aims to make its ADR programs, such as Fast Track Settlement, Fast Track Mediation, Rapid Appeals Process and Post-Appeals Mediation, more attractive and accessible for eligible taxpayers. The new office will also pilot changes to those ADR programs, such as:

• Test ADR programs that allow Appeals to help resolve or mediate disputes earlier in the examination process;
• Streamline and clarify existing guidance; and
• Remove barriers to enable easier use of and access to ADR.

From a tax practitioner perspective, this initiative is welcomed. There is a lack of familiarity, as well as comfort, with these ADR programs, and thus IRS outreach is needed. Additionally, while my firm’s experiences with ADR have been mostly positive, the process has been clunky at times with unnecessary procedural obstacles. Hopefully through this new office, IRS Appeals will bring the changes necessary to make these ADR programs successful.

If you have any questions about this Blog post or any other Treasury, IRS or tax-related matter, feel free to contact me directly at (214) 749-2464 or adaddino@meadowscollier.com.