SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE

These procedures are effective for disputes of which SPf is notified during the six months to one-year test period beginning on November 6, 1997, the date this announcement is released to the public. At the end of the test period, the Service will evaluate the Process and determine whether to extend the test or to adopt the Process on a nationwide basis, and whether the Process may consider additional issues.

DRAFTING INFORMATION

The principal author of this announcement is Gary Slayen, analyst for the Office of Field Services, National Office Appeals. For further information regarding this announcement, please contact Mr.

• For dischargeability determinations, within 45 workdays of receipt in Appeals

Slayen at (202) 401-6155 (not a toll-free number).

Request for Public Comments on Proposals to Modify Filing Requirements for Exempt Organizations Forms 990 and 990–EZ

Announcement 97–115

The Internal Revenue Service invites comments from interested members of the public on proposals it is considering to modify the requirements for filing Form 990, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax, and Form 990–EZ, Short Form Return of Organization Ex- empt From Income Tax. The comments will be considered before final decisions on the proposals are made.

Tax-exempt organizations, other than private foundations, are, with certain exceptions for churches and other organizations, required to file Form 990 unless the organization’s gross receipts do not normally exceed $25,000. An organization may file Form 990–EZ instead of Form 990 if its gross receipts during the year were less than $100,000, and its total assets at the end of the year were less than $250,000. Among the proposals being considered by the Service is raising the threshold for Form 990 (for example, to $40,000 or $100,000), and a commensurate increase in the gross receipts and total asset thresholds for filing Form 990–EZ.

The Service invites comments from tax-exempt organizations, as well as other interested parties such as entities and individuals who use information reported on Form 990 as to how to reduce the burden on tax-exempt organizations while recognizing the continuing need for information as to the existence and operations of such organizations. In addition, the Service invites suggestions for less burdensome alternative methods of periodic reporting by organizations excepted from filing Form 990 that would provide the Service with information necessary to maintain and update computer lists of exempt organizations.

The Service requests that written comments be submitted by February 23, 1998. Send submissions to CP:E:EO:P:1 (Announcement 97–115), Room 6033, Inter

1997–47 I.R.B. 17 November 24, 1997

nal Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20224. Submissions may be hand-delivered between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to CP:E:EO:P:1, (Announcement 97–115), Room 6033, Courier’s Desk, Internal Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution Ave., NW,

Washington, DC. Alternatively, parties may submit comments electronically via the Internet by selecting the “Tax Regs in English” option of the IRS Home Page or by submitting comments directly to the IRS Internet site at http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/prod/tax_regs/comments.html.

The principal author of this announcement is David Flavin of the Exempt Organizations Division, Projects Branch 1. For further information regarding this announcement contact Mr. Flavin on (202) 622-7922 (not a toll-free call).

November 24, 1997 18 1997–47 I.R.B.