Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Return-Free Tax Filing System Focus Group Interviews

AGENCY:

Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). Currently, the IRS is soliciting comments concerning Return-Free Tax Filing System Focus Group Interviews.

DATES:

Written comments should be received on or before May 1, 2000 to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to Garrick R. Shear, Internal Revenue Service, room 5244, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20224.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection should be directed to Carol Savage, (202) 622-3945, Internal Revenue Service, room 5242, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20224.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: Return-Free Tax Filing System Focus Group Interviews.

OMB Number: 1545-1682.

Abstract: As required by the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, the IRS will be reporting to Congress annually on its progress in developing a Return-Free Tax Filing System. The purpose of these focus groups is to collect information to accurately and objectively establish a benchmark of current levels of taxpayer acceptance and potential use of a Return-Free Tax System. The focus groups would also provide the IRS with information to be used in marketing and communications efforts related to such a system.

Current Actions: There are no changes being made to the information collection at this time.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Number of Focus Group Participants: 48.

Estimated Time Per Focus Group Participant: 2 hrs., 30 min.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours for Focus Group Participants: 120.

The following paragraph applies to all of the collections of information covered by this notice:

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a collection of information must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103.

Request for Comments

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.