IRS Tax Map

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IRS Tax Map
David Brown Media and Publications
Division Internal Revenue Service
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What is Tax Map?

• Electronic Research tool - Primary audience IRS
  telephone tax law assistors
• Network navigational model - Enables research by
  subject and discovery
• Contains forms and instructions, publications,
  tax law faq, and Tele-tax topics
• Builds on XML/SGML work we have done

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What is Tax Map?

• Contractor produced
• Intranet application
• Automated processes
• Technology - Topic Maps international standard

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Topic Maps standard

• International standard describing knowledge
  structure.
• XML application - Web ready
• Roots back-of-book indexing
• Basic concepts - topics, occurrences,
  associations

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Printed Index
Occurrence Location

• MIE . 181
• Main home .71, 108
• Mandatory retirement age 229
• Married taxpayers (See also
• Spouse)
• Estimated Tax .. 45
• Filing status .. 21
• Signing joint return . 22

Topics
Association
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Why Topic Maps?

• Separate electronic file
• Capture knowledge
• Scalable and matures with time
• Accessibility

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Preparing Tax Map

• Using computers and tax expert knowledge
• Conducting workshops tax experts
• Starting with content - Working globally

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Preparing Tax Map

• Initially used index items
• Created 15 rules for merging
• Problems variation precision, amount

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Preparing Tax Map

• Gather headings by theme
• Group by subject, merge, relate
• Creating a web
• Creating hubs, entry points

• DUE,FILE,EXTENSION,DEADLINE,CALENDAR

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Preparing Tax Map

• Tax experts rename and relate heads
• Using computer software and tax experts to relate
  topics

• When do I have to file?-gtDue Dates
• Due dates for qualified fisherman -gtDue Dates,
  fisherman
• Due Dates Estimated tax

• Topic- Due dates
• Related Topic (computer) - Due dates, fisherman
• Related Topic (human) - Estimated tax

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Finding Information
Search all 4000 topics
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Search All Topics
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Topic Page
publication
abstract
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Publication 17
Links back to topic page. Arrows link to more
occurrences.
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Finding Information
Find key entry point topics
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Integrated Indexes
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Integrated Indexes
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Form Finder
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Form Finder
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Finding Information
Use Table of Contents
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Browse By
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Value added Tax Map

• Key entry points or hubs to begin search
• Fast learning curve - similar to using an index
• Contains topics related by tax experts
• Topic page - single entry point for subject
• Creation of a tax law ontology

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Prototypes

• Usability testing
• One day test Dallas call site
• Two week test - Boston call site
• Two week test - St. Louis

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Results Dallas, Boston

• Gathered qualitative feedback
• Research by topic intuitive
• Topic search - preferred by less experienced
• Positively received by telephone assistors

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St. Louis Test

• Test to integrate Probe and Response Guide
• Integrated existing version
• Gather suggestions from assistors for integration
• Propose integration strategy

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Probe and Response
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Whats next

• Probe and Response Guide test in June
• Tax Products CD
• Taxpayer Education
• Tax examiners
• Learning and Education
• Internet

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Maintenance

• Summer and winter workshop needed with tax
  experts each year
• Development of new tools
• Standardized methodology

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Topic Maps Standard

• http//www.isotopicmaps.org
• http//xml.coverpages.org/topicMaps.html