IRS Announces New Advisory Council Members

The Internal Revenue Service has announced the selection of four new members of the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council (IRSAC), which provides an organized public forum for IRS officials and representatives of the public to discuss key tax administration issues.

“IRSAC plays a key role in making our tax system work better,” said Frank Keith, IRS Communications & Liaison chief. “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 important 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, J.D., MAAT, CPP, EA, ATP of Flagstaff, Ariz. Casey is an accountant with West, Christensen, P.C., and serves as the American Payroll Association chapter government liaison officer. He is also an associate professor at Coconino Community College.
Robert E. McKenzie, J.D., of Chicago, Ill. 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, EA, of Tustin, Calif. Terens is the President of Accurate Bookkeeping & Tax Service Inc. She teaches IRS small business seminars, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) classes and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) workshops. In addition, she specializes in tax issues for the military.
Madeleine Savage-Townes, J.D., of Memphis, Tenn. Townes is currently a tax manager with NYK Logistics (Americas) Inc. She specializes in turning around underperforming operations and start-up opportunities, building key alliances and implementing quality control management systems.