[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 2 (Monday, January 5, 1998)] [Notices] [Pages 288-289] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-7] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Publication 1075 AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury ACTION: Notice and request for comments ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). Currently, the IRS is soliciting comments concerning Publication 1075, Tax Information Security Guidelines for Federal, State and Local Agencies. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before March 6, 1998 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Garrick R. Shear, Internal Revenue Service, room 5571, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20224. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection should be directed to Carol Savage, (202) 622-3945, Internal Revenue Service, room 5569, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20224. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Tax Information Security Guidelines for Federal, State and Local Agencies. OMB Number: 1545-0962. Form Number: Publication 1075. Abstract: Section 6103(p) of the Internal Revenue Code requires the Internal Revenue Service to provide periodic reports to Congress describing safeguard procedures utilized by agencies which receive information from the IRS to protect the confidentiality of the information. This Code section also requires that these agencies furnish reports to the IRS describing their safeguards. Current Actions: The following changes were made. The new publication went to a two column format rather than three. This has increased the number of pages but has made it easier to read. Organizationally, chapters have been rearranged to give a consistent flow of the information being imparted. A section was included under ``reporting requirements'' that asks the receiving agencies to give a more detailed description of their computer security and to require their employees to go through a certification/recertification process to ensure that they understand the confidentiality of tax return information prior to having contact. The number of exhibits has been increased to assist the agency with its safeguard program. Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection. Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations, not- for-profit institutions, and Federal, state, local, or tribal governments. Estimated Number of Respondents: 5,100. Estimated Time Per Respondent: 5 hours. [[Page 289]] Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 25,500. The following paragraph applies to all of the collections of information covered by this notice: An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a collection of information must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103. Request for Comments Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (e) estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information. Approved: December 22, 1997. Garrick R. Shear, IRS Reports Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 98-7 Filed 1-2-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830-01-U