Federal Register: October 15, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 199)NoticesPage 55427From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

DOCID:fr15oc98-139

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Internal Revenue Service

Request for Information on Impact to Discontinue the Form 1040PC Program for Tax Years 1999 and Beyond

AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.

ACTION: Notice.

SUMMARY: This announcement is requesting that software developers, tax practitioners, or taxpayers send to the Internal Revenue Service their comments on the impact of discontinuing the Form 1040PC program for Tax Year 1999.

ADDRESSES: Questions or concerns should be directed to Lee Lawrence at the IRS, Electronic Tax Administration, Electronic Program Operations Office, OP:ETA:O, New Carrollton Federal Building, 5000 Ellin Road, C4- 300 Lanham, MD ATTN: Lee Lawrence or via E-mail at lee.x.lawrence@ccmail.irs.gov or faxed to (202) 293-4786 ATTN: Lee Lawrence.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In 1991, the Service piloted the Form 1040PC return format which was promoted as an alternative way of filing a computer generated return for those taxpayers who cannot file electronically. The primary objective of the Form 1040PC was to provide a standard for a condensed plain paper return which would reduce the paper volume to one or two sheets of paper for the majority of filing. In addition, the Service anticipated that by reducing the amount of paper input, the Form 1040PC processing would be simplified.

Since 1992, the Form 1040PC volume has fluctuated considerably from year to year and productivity gains have not been realized due to the variable format content. Additionally for the upcoming 1999 filing season, there are plans for a pilot which will provide a paperless filing experience for those filers who are eligible to participate. The pilot will target current on-line filers, Form 1040PC and computer generated paper 1040/1040A filers who have prepared their own returns and will encourage those taxpayers to file electronically. Based on these factors, the Service is planning to discontinue the 1040PC program effective for Tax Year 1999. Please submit your comments in writing to Lee Lawrence by December 14, 1998, on the impact of discontinuing the 1040PC program.

Approved: September 28, 1998. Terry Lutes, National Director, Electronic Program Operations Office, Electronic Tax Administration.

FR Doc. 98-27709Filed10-14-98; 8:45 amBILLING CODE 4830-01-U