IRS Representatives Address Plenary Session

By Christine M. Szeluga

George Deller, IRS taxpayer advocate for the northeast region, and Thomas R. Burger, director of the IRS's national office of employment tax administration and compliance, were among the speakers at NYSSCPA's 18th Invitational Tax Plenary Session, held at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers on November 19.

This year's agenda focused on 1998 tax planning developments and the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act. Deller discussed how the IRS restructuring and reform legislation has enhanced the power and responsibility of his position, and how these changes will impact the practitioner.

Chaired this year by Michael J. Knight and John J. Kearney (Nassau), the Tax Plenary is an annual gathering of NYSSCPA members who participate in the Society's tax committees. Recently, the list of invitees was expanded to include past as well as present members of tax division committees.

"This high-level, high-intensity program traditionally boasts some of the most expert and popular names in the accounting profession and beyond," said Harold F. Soshnick, chair of the Tax Division Executive Committee.

In addition to Deller's and Burger's presentations, panelists Robert L. Goldstein of Leipziger & Breskin LLP, and Michael J. Knight of Michael J. Knight and Co. CPAs discussed key issues involving the IRS after the reform act, including the impact of confidentiality privilege and the burden of proof shift.

The half-day event also included updates on estate planning developments, federal tax, and New York state tax, taught respectively by Eric M. Kramer (Nassau) of Farrell Fritz PC, David L. Evans (Northeast) of Urbach Kahn & Werlin PC, and Mark S. Klein, Esq., of Hodgson Russ Andrews Woods & Goodyear LLP. *