The law that required the IRS to reorganize also required the tax agency to include the protection of taxpayer rights as one of its most important values. In its day-to-day operations, the IRS and its employees make taxpayer rights a top priority. This includes explaining those rights to taxpayers, keeping taxpayer information private and confidential and being professional and courteous. Besides what is expected of IRS employees, taxpayers have many other rights. They have the right to have someone represent them before the IRS and to accompany them to any meeting with IRS employees.

The IRS has announced its intention to consider revoking the tax exempt status of nonprofit organizations that link to political campaigns or lobbyist groups on their Web sites. There are currently no guidelines as to how tax exempt organizations should conduct themselves on the Internet. The IRS is trying to determine if new rules are necessary, or if existing rules can be applied to organizations with an Internet presence.Some nonprofit organizations will probably benefit from a little guidance in this area.

If you are unable to complete your income tax return because of a physical disability or hearing impairment, you may get help from the IRS through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/Tax Counseling for the Elderly (VITA/TCE) programs, or through a special TDD phone number that is available in both English and Spanish.The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has IRS-trained volunteers who provide free tax assistance at neighborhood locations such as churches, schools, libraries and community centers. VITA is aimed at those who may find it difficult to pay for tax assistance.

David Martin has been named Executive Director of The National Association of Tax Practitioners (NATP). Mr. Martin has more than fifteen years of experience with association management and has demonstrated success in marketing, education, and technological innovations.Prior to joining NATP, David was president of Real Estate Rover.com, and COO and Managing Director of the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council.

The IRS plans to announce soon its intention to investigate several businesses that have been publicly proclaiming they do not withhold payroll taxes on wages paid to their employees but instead pay their employees 100% of the wages earned.Several companies participating in this tax boycott have declared their anti-tax position on the Internet, listing their names on various Web site

Senate bill 286, "Stealth Tax Prevention Act," has been introduced by Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) with the intent of keeping tabs on any attempts of the IRS to increase federal revenues with tax increases.Under the provisions of the act, any IRS regulation that seeks to increase federal revenues over current prices or revenues would be subject to congressional review and disapproval within 60 days after the regulation is issued.Sen.

St. Louis, MO – February 6, 2001 – Over 300 volunteers worked long hours Saturday, January 27 and Saturday, February 3, 2001, helping 392 families prepare their federal and state tax returns to receive refunds of $495,000. Every dollar of these refunds goes directly to the families.The St. Louis Tax Assistance Program (TAP) helps working families or elderly residents with total incomes below $26,000 per year. January 27, 2001, TAP launched its fourth season of free tax return preparation at three locations in the St.

The Internal Revenue Service is looking forward to expanding and improving its presence on the Internet.During the next few months, the IRS will be changing the homepage from the Digital Daily to a more contemporary styled portal page.

Sometimes when you are preparing your federal tax return, you need a little help. The IRS offers free assistance by computer, telephone, fax, and in person. The IRS can assist you with obtaining forms, publications and answers to a wide range of tax questions. If you qualify, IRS can even help you find free tax preparation.How to get help: Personal Computer - With your personal computer and Internet connection, you can access a wealth of free tax information at www.irs.gov.