ADMINISTRATIVE

Notice 2002–6, page 326. This document clarifies that, although tax return preparers may be subject to the privacy provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, those provisions do not supersede, alter, or affect the preexisting requirements of section 7216 of the Code restricting the disclosure or use of tax return information by a tax return preparer.

Rev. Proc. 2002–9, page 327. Methods of accounting; automatic consent . Procedures are provided under which a taxpayer may obtain automatic consent of the Commissioner to change certain methods of accounting. Rev. Proc. 99−49 modified and superseded.

Rev. Proc. 2002–12, page 374. Materials and supplies; restaurant smallwares. A safe harbor method of accounting for “smallwares” is provided for taxpayers engaged in the trade or business of operating a restaurant or tavern. Under this safe harbor method, such taxpayers may account for smallwares in the same manner as materials and supplies that are not incidental under section 1.162–3 of the regulations.

January 22, 2002 2002–3 I.R.B.