Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request on Disclosure of Returns and Return Information to Designee of Taxpayer

The IRS, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), provides the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This helps the IRS assess the impact and minimize the burden of its information collection requirements. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (e) estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information.

Title: Disclosure of Returns and Return Information to Designee of Taxpayer.

OMB Control Number: 1545-1816.

Regulation Project Number: TD 9504, as amended by TD 9618.

Abstract: Under section 6103(a), returns and return information are confidential unless disclosure is otherwise authorized by the Code. Section 6103(c), as amended in 1996 by section 1207 of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights II, Public Law 104-168 (110 Stat. 1452), authorizes the IRS to disclose returns and return information to such person or persons as the taxpayer may designate in a request for or consent to disclosure, or to any other person at the taxpayer's request to the extent necessary to comply with a request for information or assistance made by the taxpayer to such other person. Disclosure is permitted subject to such requirements and conditions as may be prescribed by regulations. With the amendment in 1996, Congress eliminated the longstanding requirement that disclosures to designees of the taxpayer must be pursuant to the written request or consent of the taxpayer.

Current Actions: There are no changes to the regulation that would affect burden.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Affected Public: Individuals or households, business or other not-for-profit institutions, farms, and Federal, state, local or tribal governments.

Estimated Number of Responses: 9,000.

Estimated Time per Response: 12 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,800.