The IRS Office of Appeals has launched a web-based pilot program to provide a virtual conference option to taxpayers, effective August 1, 2017. The pilot program will use a secure, web-based screen-sharing platform to connect with taxpayers face-to-face from anywhere they have internet access.
The IRS expects the new program to be especially useful for taxpayers located far from an IRS Appeals office. Its initial announcement did not provide details on how taxpayers may apply to become part of the pilot program. Absent participation in the pilot program, taxpayers involved in the appeals process can meet with an Appeals Officer by phone, in person or virtually through videoconferencing available only at a select number of IRS offices.