A switch in time ... audits and appeals seminar planned for February; senior management program moved to May.

• Position: Continuing Education

Recent changes in the IRS enforcement strategies and new initiatives to speed audits of large and mid-size companies have prompted TEI to advance the timing of the organization's 2004 audits and appeals seminar. Originally scheduled for May, the program will now be held on February 19 and 20 in Las Vegas.

TEI President Ray Rossi said that several developments prompted the Institute's Continuing Education Committee to move the audits and appeals program. "We've seen significant personnel changes in senior management positions, including a new Commissioner, new Deputy Commissioner, and new LMSB Commissioner. What's more, these officials have signalled the desire both to change the balance between customer service and enforcement activities and to make 'break-through' strides in audit currency. These changes--in tandem with new tax shelter regulations, corporate accountability developments, and judicial and legislative actions--make the current environment much different from last year's. To enable our members to stay on the cutting-edge of audits and appeals developments, we decided it was best to adjust our schedule."

Mr. Rossi commended Paul O'Connor, chair of the IRS Administrative Affairs Committee, and Kelly Nall, a vice chair in charge of the program, for adapting so nimbly to the new schedule. "Paul and Kelly, working with others on the committee, have done a marvelous job of lining up the top practitioners to address the most pressing issues."

Mr. Rossi stated that the complete program will be available by mid-November, noting that this year's session will be called "Improving the Odds: Successful Audit and Appeals Strategies."

"With the Las Vegas locale, we couldn't resist the gaming tie-in," he said. "Everyone knows, however, that successfully navigating the audit process is not a matter of chance. It requires preparation and true skill: a knowledge of the process and an ability to communicate effectively. Year...