The Internal Revenue Service has added four new tax experts to its IRS Advisory Council who will provide the agency with outside input on tax administration issues.
"IRSAC plays a key role in making our tax system work better," said IRS Communications & Liaison chief Frank Keith in a statement. "The membership offers thoughtful and valuable advice, and these new members will bring worthwhile perspectives to the Council."
Members are selected to represent the taxpaying public, tax professionals, small and large businesses, state tax administrations and the payroll community. The council provides the IRS commissioner and division leadership with feedback, observations and suggestions.
IRSAC meets periodically and will submit a report to the agency in November 2009 at a public meeting. IRSAC members generally serve a two- to three-year term with a possible one-year extension. The four new participants will join 26 returning members in 2009.
The new members are:
Michael Casey, of Flagstaff, Ariz. Casey is an accountant with West, Christensen, PC, and serves as the American Payroll Association chapter government liaison officer. He is also an associate professor at Coconino Community College.
Robert E. McKenzie of Chicago. McKenzie is a partner with the law firm of Arnstein & Lehr LLP, and has been selected for listing by Law and Leading Attorneys. He is the author of "Representation before the Collection Division of the IRS" and coauthor of "Representing the Audited Taxpayer before the IRS."
Joni K. Terens of Tustin, Calif. Terens is the president of Accurate Bookkeeping & Tax Service Inc. She teaches IRS small business seminars, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance classes and Federal Emergency Management Agency workshops. In addition, she specializes in tax issues for the military.
Madeleine Savage-Townes, of Memphis. Townes is currently a tax manager with NYK Logistics (Americas) Inc. She specializes in turning around underperforming operations and start-up opportunities, building alliances and implementing quality control management systems.
