[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 1, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11107-11108]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-4821]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Internal Revenue Service


Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Return-Free Tax Filing 
System Focus Group Interviews

AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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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 
Return-Free Tax Filing System Focus Group Interviews.

DATES: Written comments should be received on or before May 1, 2000 to 
be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Garrick R. Shear, Internal 
Revenue Service, room 5244, 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 5242, 1111 
Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20224.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Return-Free Tax Filing System Focus Group Interviews.
    OMB Number: 1545-1682.
    Abstract: As required by the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 
1998, the IRS will be reporting to Congress annually on its progress in 
developing a Return-Free Tax Filing System. The purpose of these focus 
groups is to collect information to accurately and objectively 
establish a benchmark of current levels of taxpayer acceptance and 
potential use of a Return-Free Tax System. The focus groups would also 
provide the IRS with information to be used in marketing and 
communications efforts related to such a system.
    Current Actions: There are no changes being made to the information 
collection at this time.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Number of Focus Group Participants: 48.
    Estimated Time Per Focus Group Participant: 2 hrs., 30 min.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours for Focus Group Participants: 
120.
    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

[[Page 11108]]

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: February 15, 2000.
Garrick R. Shear,
IRS Reports Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 00-4821 Filed 2-29-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4830-01-P