The Internal Revenue Service is inviting public input about best practices for conducting video conferences for those with appeals cases pending. Interim guidance on video conferencing was issued in March 2020 in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic, and now the IRS Independent Office of Appeals is considering permanent guidelinesWhile in-person conferences have resumed, the IRS says video conferencing will remain an option.
Interim guidance covers IRS employee responsibilities for scheduling and conducting the video conference, procedures for verifying authorized participants and necessary technology prerequisites. There were also includes basic recommendations for establishing a professional meeting environment.
Among the common areas of feedback already received are the following: *When effectively managed video conferences can often provide a better taxpayer experience than a telephone conference. *The role of the Appeals employee leading the conference is critical. *Video conferences that allow for screen sharing of documents can lead to a more comprehensive discussion issues. *Taxpayers for whom video conferencing technology is a challenge should not be disadvantaged by their inability to participate in an Appeals conference by video.
