Bloomington Man Appointed To First-Ever Tax Advisory Council

Last updated on Thursday, January 18, 2018

(INDIANAPOLIS) - A Bloomington man has been appointed by Commissioner Adam Krupp of the Indiana Department of Revenue to the first-ever Tax Advisory Council.

Frank DiPietro, Bloomington, Director of the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic with Indiana Legal Services, Inc. is one member who was hand-selected to foster community collaboration amongst engaging tax professionals from various fields to provide direct feedback for overall process and operational improvements.

"The Commissioner's Tax Advisory Council is a paramount opportunity for our agency to work with a collective wealth of experience, subject matter expertise, and viewpoints outside the agency that will undoubtedly ensure we have more access than ever to the voice of our customers," said Commissioner Krupp.

"Last year we developed a new mission statement for Indiana's Department of Revenue: 'to serve Indiana by administering tax laws in a fair, secure and efficient manner' coupled with a lofty vision to be recognized as the premier tax administer in the country. The insights and collective work product we hope to gain from this council will better enable us to achieve our mission and someday make our vision a reality. Hoosiers will benefit tremendously from this endeavor."

Commissioner Krupp received applications from all over the state and across the country from tax professionals, attorneys, business stakeholders, advocates and scholars wanting the opportunity to provide valuable input on tax administration for the State of Indiana. Hoosiers appointed to the council include:

Frank DiPietro, Bloomington, Director of the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic with Indiana Legal Services, Inc.
Carol Flynn, Sellersburg, Owner of Flynn Accounting, LLC
Philip Jackson, Indianapolis, Director at OnTarget CPA
Monty Korte, Zionsville, Partner at Ernst & Young, LLP
John Laszlo, Merrillville, CPA and Attorney for Laszlo & Associates, P.C.
Stacey McCreery, Fishers, Founder and President of RIO Search Group
Donna Niesen, Indianapolis, Partner at Katz, Sapper & Miller in State & Local Tax
Mark Richards, Indianapolis, Partner at Ice Miller, LLP
Kyle Simmerman, Indianapolis, Partner at BGBC Partners, LLP in State Tax Services
Ben Smith, Muncie, President and CEO of Estep-Doctor & Company
Patrick Thomas, South Bend, Professor of the Practice and Director of the Notre Dame Clinical Law Center
Bill Waltz, Indianapolis, Vice President of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce

"In my years of practice representing individuals with federal and state income tax problems, I've had the most difficulty in resolving issues with the Indiana Department of Revenue," said Patrick Thomas, Director of the Notre Dame Clinical Law Center. "This situation is starting to change, as the Department and its leadership seem to be taking a new approach to taxpayers.

"The Department's work is not complete, but the creation of the Commissioner's Advisory Council is a further step in the right direction. Stakeholders may now meaningfully and effectively contribute their expertise and suggestions to the Department in a transparent manner. We will provide a perspective that, otherwise, Department leadership might not hear."

In addition to the above listed members, Commissioner Krupp also appointed two additional tax professionals from outside Indiana to provide a national perspective on the council. Those two members include:

Jim Eads, Austin, Texas, Principal at Ryan, LLC and Ryan Advocacy
Lauren Hagwood, San Diego, Calif., Senior State Government Relations Manager with Intuit

The 14-member Commissioner's Tax Advisory Council will serve two-year appointments meeting quarterly, starting in late January.

For more information regarding the Commissioner's Tax Advisory Council and its members, visit www.in.gov/dor.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

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