Public Hearings Announced On APA Program Operation.

Announcement 2004-98

A public hearing with Chief Counsel Donald L. Korb and Associate Chief Counsel (International) Hal Hicks will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 1, 2005, and again from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 22, 2005, in the auditorium (room 7129) on the 7th floor of the IRS main building at 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. The purpose of the hearing is to solicit comments regarding the operation of the Advance Pricing Agreement program within the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (International) and suggestions for strengthening the program's performance as part of Chief Counsel's commitment to promoting IRS audit currency.

Speakers may address their comments to any aspect of the APA program. Written comments in advance or in lieu of attendance at the hearing also are welcome. In an effort to provide some structure to the discussion, the first day's session will focus on comments on the general administration and operation of the program. The second day's session will continue the first day's discussion and also will focus on comments on technical issues related to APAs.

Without limiting the areas for comment, comments are specifically invited on the following topics:

Day 1 -- February 1, 2005

• the state of, and ideas for improving, the accessibility of the APA program to taxpayers;

• the state of, and ideas for improving, timeliness and efficiency in handling APA matters;

• the state of, and ideas for improving, handling of APA cases in particular industries; and

• the state of, and ideas for improving, the effectiveness of the APA program generally in furthering the interests of sound tax administration.

• continuation of Day 1 discussion;

• the state of, and ideas for improving, the critical assumption language and/or other features of the standard APA contract;

• the appropriateness/feasibility of updating an agreed arm's length range or point to reflect events occurring during the APA term (e.g., by tying the range or point to an external or internal benchmark); and

• the appropriateness/feasibility of reflecting in the legal and economic analyses underlying an APA the impact that the execution of the APA may have on the relationship between the APA taxpayer and its related party.

Due to building security procedures, persons attending the public hearing must enter at the Constitution Avenue entrance. In addition, all visitors must present photo identification to enter the building. Because of access restrictions, visitors will not be admitted beyond the immediate entrance area more than 30 minutes before the hearing starts. To have your name placed on the building access list to attend the hearing, contact Brenda Robinson at (202) 435-5220 (not a toll-free number) or by fax at (202) 435-5238.

The principal author of this announcement is Matthew Frank of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (International). For further information regarding this announcement, contact Matthew Frank at (202) 435-5222 (not a toll-free call).