The Internal Revenue Service has announced that it is accepting applications for membership in the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC) for the 2026 term. ETAAC is a key advisory group made up of volunteers from across the tax, technology, and accounting fields. The committee helps the IRS develop electronic tax administration systems while establishing new digital solutions that taxpayers and tax professionals can use.
The announcement provides a chance for people who possess relevant experience to contribute their knowledge towards the development of new federal tax systems that will meet emerging technological requirements and changing taxpayer demands.
What Is ETAAC?
The Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC) serves as an advisory committee which assesses IRS efforts to enhance electronic tax systems and digital services. The IRS established ETAAC to assist with improvements to its following systems:
- Electronic filing systems
- Online taxpayer tools
- Digital communications
- Cybersecurity and data protection
- Strategies for future tax technology innovation
The ETAAC members possess professional expertise which includes tax preparation, software development, digital platforms, accounting, business, and related fields. The group meets periodically to study issues, identify areas of improvement, and offer formal recommendations to the IRS Commissioner and senior tax officials.
The primary objective of ETAAC involves delivering insights and recommendations which assist the IRS in developing electronic tax filing and digital services that provide taxpayers with improved security and efficiency and user-friendly access.
Why ETAAC Matters
The process of tax administration is increasing its use of digital technologies. Taxpayers now depend on digital systems to access e-filing and online accounts and digital notices and mobile tools more than they did in the past. The ETAAC provides the IRS with information about digital trends and their associated difficulties and prospects for growth.
ETAAC’s recommendations have helped shape:
- Improvements in electronic filing services
- Better online tools for viewing tax records
- Secure methods for identity verification
- More accurate refund delivery systems
- Streamlined communication between the IRS and taxpayers
By providing expert guidance to the IRS, ETAAC enables the agency to maintain its systems according to emerging technological advancements and evolving taxpayer needs.
Who Should Apply for ETAAC?
The Electronic Tax Administration Association welcomes members from diverse backgrounds who possess knowledge about the electronic tax administration system. The ideal candidates for this position should possess work experience in three specific areas which include:
- Tax software development
- Information technology and cybersecurity
- Tax preparation and accounting
- Business operations which use electronic systems
- Taxpayer services and support
- Data analytics as well as digital strategy development
The IRS seeks applicants who will enhance organizational diversity through their distinct life experiences and practical work knowledge. Any professional group can apply for membership, but members must demonstrate their ability to participate in discussions about digital tax systems and their related innovations.
What Committees Do ETAAC Members Serve On?
The ETAAC members take part in review teams while they study projects that include these areas of work. The team works to improve electronic filing systems and their associated user experience. The team works to make online taxpayer accounts better, and minimize mistakes which result in system downtime.
The team works to build secure digital infrastructure that meets current security needs and updates existing IRS software systems and their operational tools. The team prepares reports which include recommendations that the IRS executive team will review. The recommendations seek to enhance services which benefit all taxpayers, tax professionals, and businesses.
How Long Is the ETAAC Term?
The 2026 ETAAC membership term is currently open for application submissions. The membership term for the organization extends for a duration of one year. The committee members evaluate presented materials to find better methods of conducting their work through data analysis and teamwork.
The committee conducts its meetings throughout the year with both physical and online meeting options. The organization gains free labor from its members who dedicate their professional skills to enhance national tax administration systems.
What Are the Qualifications and Requirements?
To apply for ETAAC, candidates should demonstrate:
- Relevant professional experience
- Knowledge of electronic tax systems or related technology
- Ability to communicate clearly and work in a collaborative setting
- A track record of problem-solving and thoughtful analysis
While the IRS establishes the required qualifications for applicants, current vendors and former IRS employees are not mandatory for application. The committee seeks a mix of experience and viewpoints, including those from outside traditional tax roles.
Benefits of Serving on ETAAC
Unpaid membership in ETAAC provides its members professional and civic advantages through their work.
- The organization provides members with the chance to impact national tax technology and services.
- Members of the organization can work together with specialists who have expertise in tax matters and technological fields and public service.
- The organization provides members with knowledge about the operational methods and digital strategy development of the IRS.
- The organization enables its members to enhance the tools which multiple millions of taxpayers use.
Your professional image will benefit from membership because it shows your expertise in tax technology and public policy and digital services.
Examples of Past ETAAC Contributions
ETAAC has been involved in advising on the following key initiatives:
- Enhancing the IRS secure online taxpayer accounts
- Improving the electronic filing process
- Supporting digital identity verification systems
- Improving taxpayer support tools
ETAAC’s contributions are aimed at making the tax filing services process easier and more accessible to taxpayers.
What the IRS Looks for in Applicants
The IRS values applicants who:
- Demonstrate experience in digital systems or tax administration
- Show clear thinking and an ability to communicate ideas
- Represent diverse backgrounds and professions
- Dedicate themselves to public service while working to enhance tax systems
The committee requires diverse thought and experience because it needs to understand taxpayer needs and industry trends.
Preparing Your Application for ETAAC
Before applying, you may want to consider the following steps:
- Reflect on your professional experience and think about skills you have that would be relevant to the position.
- Consider ideas you might have that could be brought to the table in discussions about electronic tax systems.
- Organize your thoughts on why you would like to serve and what you have to offer.
- Collect any documents that would support your application, such as a resume or letters of recommendation.
It may be helpful to take the time to prepare a thoughtful application.
What Happens After You Apply
The IRS starts to examine application submissions after the application period ends and proceeds to contact applicants who have been chosen for membership. The organization will provide you with details about your role in the committee and its meeting times and requirements for participation if you become selected.
Members need to complete their term until 2026 while working on their assigned tasks which will include receiving new information about subjects and matters they need to address.
ETAAC’s Role in Tax Modernization in the USA
The increasing digitalization of tax administration makes ETAAC work more essential. Taxpayers are increasingly using online tools to file returns, access records, and communicate with the IRS. A strong advisory committee helps ensure these digital systems are effective and secure.
ETAAC's recommendations help to achieve the following objectives:
- Faster processing of electronic returns
- Better online account features
- Stronger cybersecurity measures
- Reduced errors for taxpayers and tax professionals
The system enhancements which ETAAC members implement directly benefit millions of taxpayers each year.
The IRS is currently seeking applications for membership on the 2026 Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee which provides an exciting opportunity for professionals to shape upcoming developments in tax technology. The Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC) members use their professional background and creative thinking abilities to support the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in developing superior online systems and enhancing electronic tax submission processes and improving digital tax services for all users.
Related Resources
- 2026 IRS Tax Filing Season Has Begun: What You Need to Know
- EITC Awareness Day Aims to Help Workers Claim Missed Refunds
- IRS Launches EITC Awareness Day to Help Workers Claim Missed Tax Benefits
This opportunity to improve tax administration is for professionals from technology tax and digital systems fields who possess relevant work experience. Consider applying if you want to contribute to national tax system improvements and share your insight with IRS leadership and stakeholders.
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