Taxpayer Advocacy Panel program to go on temporary administrative suspension

For more than 20 years, the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP), through its team of dedicated volunteer members, has served a vital function in our tax system by advocating for the interests of taxpayers and offering critical feedback to the IRS. The insights and concerns raised by TAP members have historically played an influential role in shaping policies and redefining services that directly affect taxpayers across the nation and abroad. At this time, however, the TAP program will enter a temporary administrative suspension, effective February 13, 2026.

This will include a suspension on the acceptance of new issues and concerns related to improving IRS processes and taxpayer service. Please return to this page for additional updates as they become available.

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About TAP

The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel listens to taxpayers, identifies taxpayers’ issues, and makes suggestions for improving IRS service and customer satisfaction.

What We Do

The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) acts as a voice between the IRS and the general public. Our mission is to listen to taxpayers, identify taxpayers’ issues, and make suggestions for improving IRS service, responsiveness, and customer satisfaction.

TAP is comprised of approximately 75 members who volunteer to serve a three-year term. The members represent U.S. citizens from all 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and a member to represent U.S. Citizens living or working abroad. These volunteers generally spend between 200 and 300 hours per year on member activities that further TAP’s mission to improve the IRS.

“I believe that the structure and responsibilities of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel increase opportunities for U.S. taxpayers to communicate with the IRS.”

— Former National Taxpayer Advocate Nina E. Olson

Who we are

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Established in 2002 under the authority of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, TAP is a Federal Advisory Committee that increases opportunities for U.S. taxpayers to communicate with the IRS.

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We are made up of geographically and demographically balanced volunteers representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico (representing U.S. taxpayers living overseas).

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Our group of approximately 75 members volunteer to listen to what taxpayers have to say about the IRS. And we not only listen, we try to do something about it.

10 Things about TAP

What is Tap?

The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel acts as a two-way channel between the general public and the IRS.

As members of TAP, we are committed to helping the IRS improve it services by performing grassroots outreach activities by which TAP members were able to identify many issues raised by taxpayers.