IRS APPEALS DIVISION CREATES A NEW OFFICE:
The IRS Independent Office of Appeals has created the Alternative Dispute Resolution Program Management Office (ADR PMO), which will collaborate with business operating divisions to help taxpayers resolve tax disputes earlier and more efficiently. ADR PMO will remove barriers to participating in Post-Appeals Mediation - a program that introduces a new mediator if the parties are unable to reach agreement during traditional Appeals settlement negotiations.
“This new office will revitalize existing programs and pilot new initiatives as part of IRS transformation efforts in alignment with the IRS Strategic Operating Plan,” IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel said in a statement. “We’re committed to providing taxpayers who wish to resolve their issues without litigation a choice of early resolution options, and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Program Management Office will ensure taxpayers are aware of those options.”
Among other things, the ADR PMO will pilot changes to Fast Track Settlement—a program that allows Appeals to mediate disputes between a taxpayer and the IRS while the case is still in Exam’s jurisdiction.
More specifically, the new office will also remove barriers to participating in Post-Appeals Mediation—a program that introduces a new mediator if the parties are unable to reach agreement during traditional Appeals settlement negotiations. More specifically, the ADR PMO plans to:
- 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.
The ADR PMO, in collaboration with the IRS Business Operating Divisions, will also perform outreach and education, coordinate the training and support of mediators, collect data and monitor the effectiveness of ADR offerings.
The traditional appeal process will remain available for taxpayers who choose it.
