IRS Alternative Dispute Resolution Strategies Evaluating and Leveraging ADR Options in Tax Disputes

Transcription

1 Presenting a live 110 minute teleconference with interactive Q&A IRS Alternative Dispute Resolution Strategies Evaluating and Leveraging ADR Options in Tax Disputes THURSDAY, MARCH 24, pm Eastern 12pm Central 11am Mountain 10am Pacific Today s faculty features: David Blair, Member, Miller & Chevalier, Washington, D.C. Todd Welty, Partner, SNR Denton, Dallas Elizabeth Erickson, Partner, McDermott Will & Emery, Washington, D.C. David Click, Tax Director, McGladrey, Denver For this program, attendees must listen to the audio over the telephone. Please refer to the instructions ed to the registrant for the dial-in information. Attendees can still view the presentation slides online. If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service at ext. 10.

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5 IRS Alternative ti Dispute Resolution Strategies Seminar March 24, 2011 David Click, McGladrey David Blair, Miller & Chevalier Elizabeth Erickson, McDermott Will & Emery Todd Welty, SNR Denton

6 Today s Program Background On IRS And ADR Offerings [David Click] Slide 7 Slide 17 Pre-Filing ADR Options [David Blair] Slide 18 Slide 38 ADR Options Before The Audit Closes [Elizabeth Erickson] Slide 39 Slide 59 ADR Options After The Audit Is Finished [Todd Welty] Slide 60 Slide 82

7 David Click, McGladrey BACKGROUND ON IRS AND ADR OFFERINGS

8 Evolution Of Alternative Dispute Resolution In Tax IRS Appeals: Traditional dispute resolution Pre-assessment cases: 30-day letter process Appeals has jurisdiction over cases for which the IRS has not made an assessment of tax. Typical cases include: Income tax, estate, gift and excise tax before or after a notice of deficiency Employment tax liabilities Additions to tax (penalties) 8

9 Evolution Of Alternative Dispute Resolution In Tax (Cont.) Limited jurisdiction in docketed cases Appeals has limited jurisdiction in cases that are docketed before the Tax Court. Generally, Appeals will not consider a case if Appeals issued the stat notice. The case is considered by Appeals but is in counsel s jurisdiction subject to being put on a trial calendar by the Tax Court. Counsel may start trial preparation but allow Appeals to continue negotiating. Pre-trial order of the Tax Court: 60 days meet to resolve case 30 days Joint case status report 20 days Trial memos due to Tax Court Other dispute resolution approaches 9 Private letter rulings Determination ti letters Technical advice memorandum

10 Genesis Of Alternative Dispute Resolution With The IRS Administrative Issues in the 1980s Implementation of IRS large case program TEFRA partnership procedures 1982 Tax Court dockets Tax shelters 1988: Office of Management and Budget recommends arbitration process for Tax Court cases. 1990: Administrative dispute resolution encouraged all federal agencies to use alternative dispute techniques to resolve disputes. 1991: Tax Court Rule 124 on use of arbitration in docketed cases, supervised by Tax Court 10

11 IRS: First Steps In Alternative Dispute Resolution Delegation Order 236 (1991): Delegates authority to Exam managers to settle issues consistent with an Appeals settlement Advanced pricing agreements and Rev. Proc : Allow taxpayers and IRS to agree on transfer pricing methodology and a range of transfer pricing results Competent authority and Appeals: Rev. Proc and Rev. Proc Accelerated issue resolution and Rev. Proc : Allow accelerated resolution of an issue affecting more than one tax 11 year

12 Expanded Appeals Settlements Early referral to appeals and Rev. Proc : Allow issues at Exam level to be elevated to Appeals for resolution Mediation and arbitration: Pilot program in IRS Announcement ; made permanent in Rev. Proc (mediation) and Rev. Proc (arbitration) 12

13 IRS Restructuring And Reform Act Of 1998 Substantially expanded Appeals jurisdiction over matters handled by the IRS Administrative due process review ew of a jeopardy assessmente Requests for administrative costs Due process review in collection cases Administrative review in the rejection of an offer in compromise Appeals of denial of interest abatement under Sect. 6404(e) Alternative dispute resolution 13

14 Reorganization Of IRS Business Units Large and medium sized business division: Becomes operational June 2000 Pre-filing agreements: Notice made permanent in Rev. Proc Comprehensive case resolution: Notice Industry issue resolution: Notice Continuous audit program: 2005 LMSB appeals: Operational in August 2000 Fast-track dispute resolution: Notice Program was expended and made permanent in Rev. Proc

15 Industry Issue Focus (IIF) And Tiered Issues 2007: IRS unveils its industry issue focus (IIF) approach to examination issues. The stated goals of the approach are: Consistency ste of resolution o across industry lines Improved currency Increased coverage of non-compliant taxpayers by maximizing limited resources Greater oversight on and accountability for important issues Develops issue management teams between Exam and Appeals 15

16 Is Appeals Independent? Tiered issues are managed by a team and require sign-off before the issue is resolved at Exam or Appeals. Both Exam and Appeals are involved in issue management teams and develop settlement guidelines. IRS industry specialists often advise both Exam and Appeals. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration report in 2005 raises independence concerns. 16

17 An ADR Strategy: Pros And Cons Benefits of ADR Resolution of uncertain tax positions (UTPs) Cooperative use of resources Improved relationship with IRS Manage tax risk Risks of using ADR 17 Some issues may not be capable of resolution through ADR. Participation of both Exam and Appeals Waiver of ex parte rules Resource allocation for piecemeal ADR process

18 David Blair, Miller & Chevalier PRE FILING ADR OPTIONS

19 Pre-Filing ADR Options IRS programs provide the opportunity to resolve issues prior to filing return. Pre-filing agreements/cap Advance pricing agreements 19

20 Pre-Filing ADR Options (Cont.) Benefits of resolving issues at pre-filing stage Eliminate tax uncertainty Avoid FIN 48 and Schedule UTP disclosures Avoid hot interest under Code 6621(c) Resolution is non-public Reduce costs relative to appeals, litigation 20

21 Pre-Filing Agreements: History PFAs provide a means for taxpayers and the IRS to resolve the tax treatment of a transaction or event that has already occurred, but for which the return is neither due nor filed. LB&I (then LMSB) introduced pilot PFA program in 2000; see Notice PFA program was formally introduced in 2001; see Rev. Proc Modifications to PFA program in 2005 allow PFAs to resolve issues for up to four years beyond current year; see Rev. Proc PFA program was renewed in 2007 and became permanent in 2009; see Rev. Procs , In 2009, IRS received 28 PFA applications, accepted 21 and reached closing agreements in

22 Pre-Filing Agreements: Overview Essentially, a pre-return return examination of a factual issue to secure closing agreement (or functional equivalent) Eligible taxpayers: LB&I taxpayers Eligible years: Current year, prior years for which return is not due or filed, plus up to four years beyond current year Fee = $50,000 22

23 Pre-Filing Agreements: Eligible Issues Factual issues appropriate for resolution by exam Issue should involve determination of facts or application of well- established law to known facts PFA also may validate taxpayer s methodology for determining amount of an item of income, allowance, deduction or credit. Generally may not be used to change method of accounting, accounting period Excluded d issues list: E.g., transfer pricing, i accounting methods/periods, d penalties, issues in controversy for other years Exam has discretion to refuse to accept application, and must coordinate with relevant associate chief counsel (ACC) prior to accepting issue into program/ IRS prefers legal issues to go through PLR or TAM processes. 23

24 Pre-Filing Agreements: Eligible Issues (Cont.) International Issues may be eligible Potential international issues list: QBU status, U.S. trade or business, ECI gross income and deductions, P/E International issues require concurrence of deputy commissioner (international) of LB&I and the ACC (international) on: (i) acceptance into program, and (ii) execution of the PFA. Note: PFA agreements, files are subject to treaty t information exchanges IRS encourages taxpayers seeking PFAs to coordinate with competent t authority. 24

25 Pre-Filing Agreements: Procedures Taxpayer files request for PFA; see Rev. Proc , 4 for required information, statements and waivers. Early submission of PFA request helps; IRS seeks to complete PFA prior to return-filing deadline. If accepted, taxpayer and exam will develop plan for examining issue and completing PFA prior to return filing deadline. PFA examination is collaborative. Throughout PFA process, taxpayer must: Provide information and assist exam in a timely manner Notify exam of any changes in facts, assumptions, etc. Exam continues to coordinate with relevant Associate Chief Counsel Office. 25

26 Pre-Filing Agreements: Procedures (Cont.) Following factual development, Exam and taxpayer meet to discuss terms of PFA. Either side can withdraw prior to signing PFA. Taxpayer and exam work together on drafting PFA. Exam may consult with chief counsel, etc. For international Issues only, ACC (international) must give final approval before IRS signs PFA. Non-international Issues are reported to relevant ACC Office. 26

27 Pre-Filing Agreements: Review And Comments Resolve disputes before return is filed Factual issues and well-established law Joint planning for factual development Success results in closing agreement Allows certainty earlier than otherwise attainable Entering the PFA process tees up the issue for the IRS. Some taxpayers like this because they want the control. Target may be there after Form UTP is filed. 27

28 Advance Pricing Agreements: Overview And History In an APA, a taxpayer and the IRS agree on the appropriate transfer pricing method (TPM) to be applied to one or more related-party transactions (the covered transactions ) before filing their returns. APAs may be unilateral (i.e., TP-IRS) or bilateral (i.e., TP-IRS-foreign government). The APA program also provides a process whereby the IRS and taxpayers may resolve other issues for which transfer pricing principles may be relevant (e.g., ECI, P/E income). The APA program is part of IRS Chief Counsel. The APA director has immediate supervisory authority over the program; the APA director reports to the associate chief counsel (international), who in turn reports to the chief counsel of the IRS. 28

29 Advance Pricing Agreements: Overview And History (Cont.) The IRS began the APA program in 1991; see Rev. Proc Current APA guidance is Rev. Proc , as modified by Rev. Proc ; user Fee = $50,000 ($22,500 for small business). In 2009, the APA program received 127 applications (39 unilateral, 88 bilateral), and completed 63 APAs (21 unilateral and 42 bilateral). Many countries have followed the United States lead and created APA programs of their own; see, e.g., OECD TP guidelines. 29

30 Advance Pricing Agreements: Overview An APA covers a specified term, typically five years or longer. In theory, the APA is prospective p in nature, so that neither side can use hindsight. In practice, typically two or three years pass before an APA is finalized. APAs may be renewed for future terms. The taxpayer may request application of the TPM to tax years prior to those covered by the APA ( rollback ), thereby making the APA program a viable forum for resolving disputes in the examination process. The IRS favors bilateral APAs; a taxpayer requesting a unilateral APA involving transactions with a related party in a treaty jurisdiction must provide an explanation at for why the request is not bilateral. a 30

31 Advance Pricing Agreements: Procedure Rev. Proc , as modified by Rev. Proc Pre-filing conference Can be anonymous Pre-conference submission outlines issues to discuss IRS and taxpayer discuss suitability of case for APA, proposed covered transactions, potential TP methods, contents of APA request, potential for competent authority agreement, and timeline. 31

32 Advance Pricing Agreements: Procedure (Cont.) Contents of APA request: An APA submission may fill several volumes or more. An APA request includes detailed descriptions of the proposed covered transactions, the members of taxpayer s affiliated group, their functions and risks, the proposed terms for the APA, critical assumptions, etc. see Rev. Proc , 4 for detailed requirements. The APA request must propose a TP method and provide data to show that it is an appropriate application of the best method rule. It should provide information for the IRS to evaluate the proposed TP method, including in particular: Sect. 6662(e) documentation with respect to the covered transactions Past and projected financial results for the business line under consideration 32

33 Advance Pricing Agreements: Procedure (Cont.) In the APA request, or any time before execution of APA, TP may request a rollback of agreed TP method. A rollback request brings the taxpayer s exam team into the process, but the substantive decision-making authority rests with the APA program. A rollback request can be an effective means of removing issues from an unreasonable exam team. When the IRS receives an APA request, the APA director assigns a team leader to oversee it. The team leader is typically a chief counsel attorney with significant expertise in international tax and transfer pricing. The APA team typically includes an IRS economist, international examiner, attorney from the taxpayer s Chief Counsel Office (e.g., g LB&I counsel). A competent authority analyst is assigned to bilateral or multi-lateral APA requests. 33

34 Advance Pricing Agreements: Procedure (Cont.) The IRS APA team evaluates the APA request by analyzing all relevant data and information submitted and discussing it with the taxpayer. Initial meeting between taxpayer and APA team Usually held within 45 days High-level discussion of proposed APA, taxpayer s business, proposed covered transactions and proposed TP method Agreement to timeline for completing APA, or case plan Critical Follow-up requests: In all but the simplest cases, APA team will have additional questions as it evaluates the APA request; the APA team will often issue written information requests. It is critical that the taxpayer timely respond to information requests, so that APA team cannot blame TP for departures from case plan. 34

35 Advance Pricing Agreements: Procedure (Cont.) For bilateral APAs, the APA team develops a recommended negotiating position (RNP) for the U.S. competent authority. The APA team should give the taxpayer an opportunity to comment on the draft RNP, before submitting it to competent authority. After all, why negotiate an APA that the taxpayer will not accept? 35

36 Advance Pricing Agreements: Procedure (Cont.) Competent authority process The U.S. competent authority may change RNP as he or she deems necessary, before meeting with the foreign counterpart. The competent authorities may exchange position papers in advance of meeting. They then conduct one or more face-to-face negotiating sessions, either in Washington or the foreign country. Finally, the competent authorities agree on terms for the APA (MAP agreement). Competent authorities present proposed MAP terms to the taxpayer. If taxpayer agrees, competent authorities finalize MAP agreement. Competent authority negotiations do not include the taxpayer. It is therefore critical to foster open communication with the competent authorities of both countries, to ensure proper presentation/reception of TP s position. 36

37 Advance Pricing Agreements: Procedure (Cont.) U.S. competent authority then informs APA office of MAP agreement terms, and APA office drafts the actual APA for the taxpayer. In the U.S., this is the actual advance pricing agreement in which the U.S. taxpayer agrees to file returns reporting income from the covered transactions in accordance with the agreed TPM, and the IRS agrees to forgo making adjustments to with respect to the covered transactions under Code 482. The director of the APA program signs the agreement on behalf of the IRS. The foreign taxing authority typically sign a similar implementation agreement e with the taxpayer. 37

38 Advance Pricing Agreements: Review And Comments The APA process offers taxpayers tax certainty for a period of years and avoids potentially expensive, drawn-out transfer pricing controversies. Getting an APA is itself expensive. The APA process requires patience; on average, APA requests take three to four years to complete. The APA process requires diligence in keeping the process moving forward. The APA program is voluntary, and the taxpayer may withdraw. However, the taxpayer will have highlighted to IRS the transfer pricing issue and disclosed sensitive information and data that could make a later audit more difficult. 38

39 Elizabeth Erickson, McDermott Will & Emery ADR OPTIONS BEFORE THE AUDIT CLOSES

40 IRS ADR Initiatives: i i Pros And Cons Fast-track track settlement (at exam) Early referral to appeals (at appeals) 40

41 Fast Track Settlement Rev. Proc Appeals at exam settlement program (still at exam) Working with both Exam and Appeals, taxpayers can use the settlement authority and mediation skills of Appeals to shorten their overall experience with the IRS. 41

42 Fast Track Settlement (Cont.) How does this work? Allows the taxpayer and Exam to resolve issues with an Appeals officer acting as a neutral party Exam stays involved. Referred to as a mediation opportunity Provides taxpayers with resolution of an issue earlier than the traditional Appeals process Provides Exam an avenue to resolve audit issues utilizing Appeals settlement authority (based on the hazards of litigation) 42

43 Fast Track Settlement (Cont.) How fast? How successful? Specifically, fast-track: Is a way to resolve audit issues during the examination process in fewer than 120 days (average time is actually less) Reduces the combined Exam-Appeals process time by two years (!!) Highly successful; resolution rate quoted at 85% 43

44 Fast Track Settlement: Availability Available for most factual and legal issues Available for listed transactions, coordinated issues Available for issues requiring hazards of litigation settlement Not available for issues that are designated for litigation or under consideration for designation for litigation 44

45 Fast Track Settlement: Procedures Either party can initiate an idea, but both parties must agree. Fast-track should be initiated after the issuance of a NOPA and the taxpayer s response, but before the 30-day letter. One-page application, NOPA, response to NOPA, no formal protest Issue will be accepted into fast-track only if fast-track program managers (Appeals and Exam) believe the issue is sufficiently developed to permit resolution within the framework of fasttrack. If a decision is not accepted by fast-track program managers, then there is no appeal process. 45

46 Fast Track Settlement: Procedures (Cont.) If accepted, parties will agree to projected completion date and preferred conference site. Appeals team case leader trained in mediation will mediate and not act as a traditional Appeals officer. Will set agenda, establish ground rules, pose questions to clarify issues, guide meetings May propose settlement terms If taxpayer accepts terms and Exam rejects, the territory manager must review the rejection. Decision-makers should be present. Taxpayer should make and prove arguments. 46

47 Fast Track Settlement: Recent Developments IRS recently announced that fast-track time will not count against the estimated closing date deadline e for an audit. May make agents more comfortable with the process and encourage IRS Exam team managers to agree to fast-track in situations when it would have caused them to miss a deadline. Irony is that some managers would not agree to fast-track before because they were worried about currency! 47

48 Fast Track Settlement: Pros Avoid hot interest No need for a formal protest (but you need to make your case) One-page application Take issue up the chain and test your case Hear an articulation of the IRS position More than one bite at the apple: Retain all traditional appeal rights for unresolved issues Most cases settled A resolution can be reduced to closing agreement or included as an agreed issue in RAR. 48

49 Fast Track Settlement: Pros And Cons More than a hundred closed cases every year Cons? None, really Need to be prepared to present your case! Subject to same coordination rules; probably can t get a better deal at fast-track than you could get at Appeals Ex parte rules do not apply, and the Appeals team case leader can talk to Exam. Either side can withdraw at any time. 49

50 Early Referral To Appeals Rev. Proc Appeals at Exam settlement program (at appeals) Allows taxpayer to request early referral to Appeals of a fully developed issue, while Exam continues to develop other issues. In other words, one issue goes to Appeals before the audit is complete. Idea: The early resolution of a key issue may encourage taxpayers and Exam to agree on the other issues. 50

51 Early Referral To Appeals: Restrictions Purpose is to expedite resolution of entire case Appealed issue must be fully developed. The state of the audit must be such that Appeals would be expected to resolve the referred issue before Exam completes the taxpayer s audit. Both might not be possible, and therefore early referral will not be an option. Cannot be used for issue that is designated for litigation Special procedures for: IRS initiated change in MOA, employment tax, collection, employee plan/exempt organizations 51

52 Early Referral To Appeals: Procedures The taxpayer must request an early referral in writing to the case manager. Request should include: Taxpayer, related persons (if applicable), tax periods Each issue for which early referral is requested A description of the taxpayer s position, including a brief discussion of the material facts and an analysis of the facts/law Perjury statement t t Case manager should notify taxpayer of acceptance/rejection within 14 days. 52

53 Early Referral To Appeals: Procedures (Cont.) The IRS has the discretion to accept or reject the taxpayer s early referral request. If the taxpayer s request is denied, there are no formal appeal procedures. But, the taxpayer can request a conference with the case manager s supervisor who denied the request. If denied, the taxpayer retains the right to pursue a normal administrative appeal for that issue and all other un-agreed issues at the conclusion of the audit. If the taxpayer s request is accepted, Exam will issue a NOPA (usually within 30 days). The taxpayer then has 30 days to file a statement similar to a formal protest with respect to the early referral issue. 53

54 Early Referral To Appeals: Procedures (Cont.) For appealed issue, normal Appeals rules apply No ex parte communications Written brief ( protest ) required Taxpayers can request an extension of time beyond the 30 days to file the protest. Follow normal protest rules and judgment This IS your appeal of this issue. 54

55 Early Referral To Appeals: Protest Protest should: Present complete factual and legal analysis establishing correctness of taxpayer s position for each adjustment Address the core issue causing the disagreement Challenge the revenue agent s conclusions and authorities Be persuasive (but respectful!) Common errors Personal, aggressive attacks on Exam personnel (attack the position, not the person) Statement t t of facts not developed d to support taxpayer s position No legal authority cited Does not stand alone Is disorganized 55

56 Early Referral To Appeals: Procedures If an agreement is reached, a closing agreement is prepared. If an agreement is not reached: Appeals will not reconsider an un-agreed early referral issue if the entire case is later protested to Appeals, unless there has been a substantial change in the circumstances regarding the early referral issue (different from fasttrack). [Con!] If the early referral issue is the only un-agreed issue remaining, no 30-day letter will be issued; rather, a 90-day letter will be issued. Taxpayer withdrawal from early referral is treated as not reaching an agreement. 56

57 Early Referral To Appeals: Pros May be able to settle tough issue before 30-day letter and hot interest rules kick in Settling tough issue might kick-start k t audit Allows settlement negotiations without Exam sitting at the table (different from fast-track) track) If audit concludes while early referral issue still under appeals discussion, case converts to normal Appeals case. 57

58 Oh Other Ideas And Initiatives i i Quality examination process: Set your stage Limited-issue, focused examination Delegation Order 4-25 (at exam) Authorizes Exam to use appeals settlement authority for coordinated issues Based on specific issues analysis and perimeters Willingness of taxpayers to give formal presentations to Exam on issues and transactions Possibility of getting a TAM 58

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60 Todd Welty, SNR Denton ADR OPTIONS AFTER THE AUDIT IS FINISHED

61 Outline For This Section Recent emphasis on ADR in tax cases Benefits and challenges of ADR Pre-docketing and post-docketing appeals Post-appeals mediation Binding arbitration 61

62 Recent Emphasis On ADR In Tax Cases Dec. 20, 2010: Tax Court proposed changes to its rules in order to emphasize ADR Proposed Rule 124 Current rule only provides for voluntary binding arbitration. ti Revised rule provides for voluntary binding arbitration, nonbinding mediation and other methods of dispute resolution. IRS test programs for mediation and arbitration in certain cases E.g., IRS announced extension of test program in offer and compromise and trust fund recovery cases in Appeals, through Dec. 31, 2012 (in certain locations). 62

63 Challenges Of ADR Certain ADR procedures may be more useful at different stages in the proceedings and throughout litigation. Cases involving multiple issues and multiple years can present difficulties in obtaining an agreed-upon resolution. Choosing the appropriate ADR methods for the case is crucial; each case is unique. 63

64 Post-Audit Appeals Out of every exam, the taxpayer has the right to go to Appeals, if sufficient time on the statute of limitations remains. Taxpayer will receive the revenue agent s report and 30-day notice to file an appeal upon close of the audit (60 days in TEFRA partnerships). Taxpayer has the option to appeal. If taxpayer does not appeal, then the appropriate statutory notice (FPAA in TEFRA partnerships) is issued. The taxpayer can then decide to either pay the tax and seek a refund, or file a petition in Tax Court. 64

65 Post-Audit Appeals (Cont.) Mission of Appeals To resolve tax controversies, without t litigation, on a basis which is fair and impartial to both the government and the taxpayer, and in a manner that will enhance voluntary compliance and public confidence in the integrity and efficiency of the Service. IRS.gov In most cases, docketed or non-docketed, the taxpayer should utilize Appeals Appeals provides an opportunity to reach a settlement on the tax liability, settle certain issues, and if nothing else, gather information from the IRS. 65

66 Pre-Docketing Appeals Benefits of pre-docketed appeals Taxpayer can wait to choose the appropriate court, i.e., whether to pay and seek a refund or to petition the Tax Court. Taxpayer has an opportunity to prepare the case before it is filed. Taxpayer can obtain information about the IRS position that he did not obtain from the revenue agent (taxpayer is entitled to information under Freedom of Information Act). Provides an opportunity to tell the taxpayer s story Appeals submissions can be binding. 66

67 Pre-Docketing Appeals (Cont.) Extending the statute of limitations Appeals agents often seek an extension of the statute in order to continue settlement negotiations and hold the case in Appeals before issuing the statutory notices. Extension may be appropriate in certain cases. Taxpayer can negotiate an agreed-upon extension or, in theory, an extension limited it to certain issues. The downside is there is little pressure on Appeals; docketed cases often receive priority. 67

68 Post-Docketing Appeals Docketed cases that have not previously been considered by Appeals are automatically referred to Appeals. Unless area counsel, chief counsel and Appeals believe the case should not be considered by Appeals - Rev. Proc ; I.R.M If the parties are able to reach an agreed-upon settlement in Appeals, the settlement is effected by a stipulation and is ordered by the court. Neither party can appeal the order. Case can be partially settled; Appeals and counsel will prepare agreed issues for filing in court. 68

69 Cases Involving Tier I Or Tier II Issues LB&I adopted the issue-tiering system in 2006 to ensure uniform treatment of high-risk compliance issues. A list of tiers I, II and III issues can be found at 67,00.html. Tier I issues are of high strategic importance and have a significant impact on one or more industries, e.g.: All abusive and listed transactions, Foreign tax credit-generators, and Research credit claims. Tier II issues involve a large number of taxpayers, a significant ifi dollar amount and emerging issues; or pose a substantial compliance risk or high visibility. 69

70 Tier I And Tier II Issues At Appeals In Tier I cases, Appeals has no authority to settle the case or a particular issue in any manner other than pursuant to the proscribed guidance. One-size-fits-all approach Little discretion; strict compliance with guidelines In Tier II cases, Appeals apparently has more discretion than Tier I, but still limited Appeals will designate a technical guidance coordinator to represent Appeals with respect to a tiered issue. 70

71 Technical Guidance Coordinator Technical guidance coordinator Evaluates the hazards of litigation and helps reach settlement Must approve any settlement agreement Ensures that settlement offers nationwide are comparable Works under standardized settlement guidelines and IRS settlement position, which can create inflexible and untailored offers Works under an undisclosed cap on concession Cases where issues can be severed may be easier to settle. Related issues can be challenging. 71

72 Cases Involving UTP Issues In late 2010, the IRS significantly broadened taxpayer reporting requirements by issuing Schedule UTP to require certain corporations to report uncertain tax positions. There is no provision for ADR for UTP issues. Several comments received requested the IRS reserve programs like CAP and ADR forums for taxpayers that comply in good faith with Schedule UTP requirements. It is possible ADR will be entirely unavailable in UTP cases. ADR is unavailable in voluntary disclosure cases. Officers have no discretion to concede in voluntary disclosure cases. 72

73 Settling A Case At Appeals Understand the IRS position related to the issues Know your facts (and the implications) Prepare adequate documentation to support facts Run the numbers; know your bottom line Provide all relevant law necessary for the appeals officer to make a favorable determination A face-to-face conference is preferred Decide attendees Client should be accessible (via phone) Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of case Prepare closing agreement quickly thereafter 73

74 Settling Tier I Or Tier II Case At Appeals Additionally, if the case involves a Tier I or Tier II issue: Understand the IRS position related to the tiered issue Settlement guidelines may be less established for newer issues, creating more flexibility. Review recent settlements in similar cases, to get a feel for possible concessions Distinguish your facts Avoid presenting new legal authorities, if possible Highlight litigation hazards Consider other issues, e.g., future years and Joint Committee review 74

75 Post-Appeals Mediation Either the taxpayer or Appeals may request post-appeals mediation on any unresolved issue: At the close of appeals, When closing agreements are unsuccessful, or When a compromise is unsuccessful. Rev. Proc

76 Post-Appeals Mediation (Cont.) Non-binding Mediator helps parties compromise to reach a settlement. Mediator Parties can agree on an appointment IRS can appoint a trained appeals officer Taxpayer can elect to have a non-irs mediator as co-mediator. IRS is advised not to mediate when it would delay discovery or trial. 76

77 Post-Appeals Mediation Availability Not available in every case Generally available in cases in which a limited number of legal and factual issues remain unresolved following settlement discussions in Appeals. Only available for factual issues not covered by specific procedures, including technical advisor and appeals technical guidance programs (tiered issues) E.g., Appeals recently denied in case where taxpayer claimed a Sect. 6404(g) good faith exception for listed transactions. Only one shot: Unavailable if previously attempted 77

78 Post-Appeals Mediation Availability (Cont.) Available in Tax Court docketed cases: If parties can reach an agreement on all or some of issues Counsel will draft a stipulation of agreed, issues or the decision document to be submitted to the court. If parties cannot reach an agreement, they prepare for trial. NOTE: Although the proposed Rule 124 providing for mediation is not yet adopted, the Tax Court has long allowed for mediation in docketed cases. 78

79 Post-Appeals Mediation Unavailable Unavailable in certain types of cases, including: Cases involving issues which have been designated for litigation Collection issues Issues for which h mediation would not be consistent t with sound tax administration Where resolution with respect to one party would result in inconsistent i t treatment t t in the absence of participation i by another party Cases where the taxpayer did not act in good faith during settlement agreements Other issues identified by the IRS as excluded 79

80 Outcome Of Post-Appeals Mediation If the parties can agree on all or some of the issues, Appeals will generally use a specific closing agreement to close mediation. If the parties cannot reach an agreement: Request binding arbitration (if the issues meet the requirements), or Pursue litigation of case. 80

81 Binding Arbitration Parties agree to have a third party make a decision about factual issues. Must be approved by Appeals Parties jointly select an Arbitrator t either appeals officer or non- IRS. Procedure and findings are confidential. Can be utilized by parties during appeals to settle a severable issue Case is closed under normal Appeals procedures 81

82 Drawbacks Of Binding Arbitration BINDING Non-preferred method of ADR Taxpayers and their representatives are generally opposed to a binding determination. ti Unpredictable results Not available for all issues Not for issues designated for litigation or concerning the technical advisor program (tiered issues) Findings are not precedent 82