Electronic Version of Political Organization Form Available

The Service invites comments on its electronic filing effort. Send comments to Internal Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20224, Attn: Judith E. Kindell, T:EO:RA:G. Comments may also be e-mailed to *TE/GE-Exempt-1@irs.gov.

[2] The electronic filing availability of Form 8872 represents the first totally Internet-based filing option being offered by the IRS. Political organizations will be able to enter information on- line for the Form 8872. They will be able to save the information, review it and confirm it prior to submitting the information on-line.

[3] "This new electronic option represents a milestone for the IRS," said Steven T. Miller, IRS Director, Exempt Organizations. "This is designed to make it easier for political organizations to file reports, it will make it easier for the IRS to process the report, and it will enhance the disclosure to the public."

[4] The electronic filing option arrives just four months after a new law was signed July 1. The law creates a new set of rules for political organizations described in section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code. Under the new law, most of these 527 groups are required to publicly disclose details about their organization, contributors, expenditures and other information.

[5] "The IRS is working hard to implement the new law," Miller said. "This is a major step in our efforts to provide an electronic solution to the filing requirements and ease the burden on political organizations."

[6] Organizations that filed Form 8871, "Political Organization Notice of Status," both electronically and in writing, should soon be receiving a letter with the user ID and password needed to file Form 8872 electronically. Organizations that do not receive their user ID and password may request one by writing to the following address:

Internal Revenue Service

[8] The IRS is making the electronic filing option available at this time for the post-general election filing due on December 7, 2000. All political organizations required to file Form 8872 are required to file a post-general election report, regardless of whether the organizations submit their regular filings on a monthly or quarterly basis. Form 8872 can be submitted either via the new electronic option or by filing a written copy.

[9] The new filing option represents the first step towards full electronic filing. The IRS will continue its efforts to improve the system for filing and disclosure of both Form 8872 and Form 8871. Comments or concerns about the electronic filing or suggestions for future development, can be sent to the following address:

Internal Revenue Service

[10] If 527 organizations have questions or need help, they can contact 1-877-829-5500. Media inquiries should be directed to the IRS Media Relations office at (202) 622-4000.