Philadelphia Chapter Hosts IRS Forum, Awards Scholarships.

In December, TEI's Philadelphia Chapter conducted a half day TEI/ IRS Forum and presented four scholarships to students from area universities. Speakers from the IRS were Deborah Reilly, District Director; Jim Grimes, acting National Director Corporate Examination; Carl Weiss, Philadelphia CEP Chief; Steven Kessleman, District Counsel; Patrick Glynn, N.E. Region Large Case Chief; Frank Bagnato, Philadelphia Associate Chief Appeals; Ed Shannon, CEP Instructor; and Walt Kirwan, LBE Group Manager. Ms. Reilly and Mr. Grimes discussed their views on how the IRS restructuring would affect the corporate examination process and changes likely to take place in the Philadelphia District. Mr. Weiss discussed the progress made in recent years in completing audits efficiently, emphasizing that joint planning between the IRS team and taxpayers provides a system where both parties win because issues are identified early, facts are gathered efficiently, and resolution or agreements to disagree proceed quickly. At the same time, joint planning promotes open communication. Mr. Kirwan, a former large case manager, reported on his progress of bringing large case techniques to the intermediate size taxpayer program. Mr. Kessler briefed the audience on the...