Recommendations to the Commissioner of the NYC Department of Finance

SUMMARY

In a letter to the Commissioner of the NYC Department of Finance, the State and Local Taxation Committee made a series of recommendations, addressing the following topics: 1) creating, by statute, a City Office of Taxpayer Advocate; the Advocate should be familiar with NYC tax law and not have responsibilities regarding parking violations; 2) conforming the City’s General Corporation Tax with the 2014 New York State corporate tax reform; 3) enhancing communications between the Department of Finance and taxpayers; 4) instituting improvements regarding Offers in Compromise and Installment Payment Agreements; 5) providing guidance regarding the City’s rent increase exemption programs for seniors and persons with disabilities; and 6) promulgating rules requiring taxpayer representative notification of collection efforts.