Revocation Of Procedures For Inspection Of Return And Return Information Announced.

Rev. Proc. 2003-74

SECTION 1. PURPOSE

This revenue procedure revokes Rev. Proc. 66-3, 1966-1 C.B. 601, Rev. Proc. 84-71, 1984-2 C.B. 735, Rev. Proc. 85-56, 1985-2 C.B. 739, Rev. Proc. 87-21, 1987-1 C.B. 718, Rev. Proc. 94-52, 1994-2 C.B. 712, and Rev. Proc. 97-11, 1997-1 C.B. 630, which describe procedures previously used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for providing copies of returns and return information pursuant to sections 6103 and 6104 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code). These procedures have been superseded by current IRS practices. The current procedures are described in section 601.702(d)(1), (3), (4), and (5) of the Statement of Procedural Rules and on the forms used to request copies or inspection of returns and return information.

SECTION 2. BACKGROUND

.01 Under section 6103(e)(1) through (6), a person with a material interest in a tax return may inspect that return. Under section 6103(e)(7), a person who may inspect a return under section 6103(e)(1) through (6) may inspect return information pertaining to that return if the Secretary determines that disclosure of the return information would not seriously impair Federal tax administration. Under section 6103(p)(2), the Secretary is authorized to furnish copies to any person authorized to inspect returns and return information and to charge a reasonable fee for the copies. See also section 601.702(d)(1) of the Statement of Procedural Rules.

.02 Section 6104(a), (b), and (d) requires the IRS to make available for public inspection certain returns and return information including applications, notices, and reports relating to certain tax exempt organizations and pension plans.

.03 Section 301.6104(a)-6 of the Procedure and Administration Regulations and section 601.702(d)(1), (3), (4), and (5) of the Statement of Procedural Rules provide procedures to inspect or obtain copies of certain exempt organization or pension plan returns and return information that are publicly available and authority for any fees for copies.

SECTION 3. EFFECT ON OTHER REVENUE PROCEDURES

This revenue procedure is effective October 27, 2003.

SECTION 5. DRAFTING