The premiere webcast of "Tax Talk Today" aired Jan. 30th and the rest will follow on the last Tuesday of every month, except in March, at 2 p.m. Eastern time at TaxTalkToday.com. 

The first show addressed questions raised by the IRS reorganization, but due to technical problems many would-be viewers reportedly found difficulty in logging on. The show is archived and the company has invited them to return at their convenience and try again at http://www.streampipe.com/ram/lm/TTT0101.ram.

The IRS said the programs are designed to deliver "unbiased, balanced" information and to allow tax practitioners nationwide "to consult with top experts about the current tax and business issues critically important to them."

The program, which will be underwitten by private companies as advertisers in addition to the IRS, was developed by  L&M Production Design Group of Alexandria, Va. L&M said it developed the content after tallking with representatives from the tax community, the IRS, and former IRS Commissioner Don Alexander.

"The series of programs was carefully developed after we listened to tax professionals in focus group sessions held nationwide," said L&M's Vice President of Marketing Paul Lamonia. "As a result, topics that will be covered by 'Tax Talk Today' include a look at ethics, e-filing, the Taxpayer Advocate, taxpayer penalties, appeal rights and tax legislation."

L&M said future shows will feature experts from the Big Five accounting firms, some of the nation's top law and business schools, practicing tax professionals, association executives and the IRS. The shows are distributed by satellite and available on tape, but, the company said, "the unique Internet broadcast makes desktop viewing easy when the show is live or any time during the following year by accessing broadcasts archived on the site."

The interactive format allows viewers to ask panelists questions via email, fax and phone.  All of the programs feature a panel discussion, Q&A's from viewers, short tax news stories and entertaining segments like Tax Teasers that encourage viewer involvement and loyalty.  Late-breaking news from the IRS may pre-empt, or augment, originally scheduled programming, making "Tax Talk Today" a primary -- you heard it here first -- source of news about new IRS initiatives, rules and decisions.

--- SmartPros News Staff

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