audit procedures

The Government Accountability Office is reviewing the alternative dispute resolution programs currently available in IRS Appeals (i.e., Fast Track Settlement, Post Appeals Mediation, Early Referral, Rapid Appeals Process) and has asked TEI to assist in the process. To this end, TEI is assembling a group of members with experience in these programs to meet with GAO representatives and share their experiences and views. Points for discussion include:
 

On May 12, 2016, TEI's State and Local Tax Committee had the opportunity to discuss two of TEI's state and local tax policy statements at the Multistate Tax Commission's Executive Committee meeting. TEI discussed the need to standardize the timing, triggers, and format for reporting federal revenue changes to state governments and best practices for audit procedures, as outlined in TEI's "Reporting Federal Income Tax Changes" and "Audit Procedures" policy statements. Committee member Richard O'Connor and TEI Tax Counsel, Pilar Mata, attended the meeting.

On April 28, 2016, TEI's State and Local Tax Committee held a liaison meeting with Connie Beard, the Director of the Illinois Department of Revenue. TEI discussed the need to standardize the timing, triggers, and format for reporting federal revenue changes to state governments, as outlined in the State and Local Tax Committee's policy statement on "Reporting Federal Income Tax Changes." Committee member Cathleen Stevens and TEI Tax Counsel, Pilar Mata, attended the meeting.

On November 20, 2015, a delegation from TEI's State and Local Tax Committee had a liaison meeting with the Federation of Tax Administrators' Board of Trustees, which is comprised of 20 commissioners of revenue for various states. TEI discussed the need to standardize the timing, triggers, and format for reporting federal revenue changes to state governments, as well as best practices for audit procedures.

In November 2015, TEI issued five state and local tax policy statements: (1) Reporting Federal Income Tax Changes, (2) Audit Procedures, (3) Corporate Tax Return Due Dates, (4) State and Local-Imposed Audit Fees, and (5) Interest Rates. TEI's policy statements reflect TEI's position on important state and local administrative and procedural issues. They are intended to enable TEI to respond quickly to issues as they arise across the country and to facilitate advocacy by providing formal position papers TEI's members can use when communicating with taxing agencies.