Here's Your Chance To Do Something About Your Tax Problems

The President's Advisory Panel on Tax Reform met for the first time yesterday (Feb. 16) and as a result of the meeting they issued a request for comments from the general public. That's us, folks.

Request for Comments
The President has clearly outlined the mission of this Advisory Panel in Executive Order No. 13369. During this process of examination, the Advisory Panel is committed to ensuring that all interested parties have an opportunity to share views and concerns. Throughout the course of the Panel's work, comments will be solicited on specific matters. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to submit comments within the scope of these questions.

Request for Comments #1 (Posted February 16, 2005)
At this time, the Panel is soliciting comments on the following questions:

Headaches that taxpayers -- both individuals and businesses -- face because of the existing system. By headaches, we mean unnecessary complexity and burdens.

Aspects of the tax system that you believe are unfair.

Specific examples of how the tax code distorts important business or personal decisions.

Goals that the Panel should try to achieve as we evaluate the existing tax system and recommend options for reform. At this point, we are not looking for specific proposals.

Comments outside the scope of these specific matters will be considered separately, however, the Advisory Panel requests that the comments to these specific questions follow the format and guidelines described below.

To facilitate the Advisory Panel's consideration and review, we have established two methods by which statements can be submitted. Please use only one of the methods when submitting comments.

Transmission by Email as a MS Word attachment to comments@taxreformpanel.gov.

Typewritten statements may be mailed to the panel at:
The President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform
1440 New York Avenue NW
Suite 2100
Washington, DC 20220

Page Limit - The Advisory Panel strongly encourages parties to limit their statements to a maximum length of 5 pages of double-spaced written text in 12 point font. Any statement exceeding 5 pages in length should be accompanied by a one-page "executive summary."

Identification and Cover Sheet - Each page of the submission should be clearly marked with the submitter's name or organization name. Each submission should also include a cover page with the submitter's name (and organization if applicable), date of submission, and contact information (if the submitter chooses to provide it). Each submission should be clearly marked as originating from one of the following categories of submitters: Individuals, Business, Government, or Organizations and Associations.

Statements submitted in connection with the panel's first request for comments must be received by the Advisory Panel no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 18, 2005. Please be aware that all comments will be made available to the public.