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pdfSimplification web-based survey
understanding the effectiveness of IRS notices
Internal Revenue Service
August 2, 2011
Table of Contents
Appendix 1:
Screener and Questions
CP9 …………………………………………………………………………………...1
CP276B ……………………………….…………………………………..………….4
CP 22A …………………………….….…………………………………………..….7
CP523 ………………………………..….…………………………………………..10
CP2501 ………………………………..…………………………………………….13
CP566SP ……………………………………………………………………………16
CP75 …………………………………...…………………………………………….19
CP2566 ………………………………………………………………………………22
Appendix 2:
Sample Survey Invitations …………………………………………………………25
Notice
Sample Size
Intro Text & Disclaimer
CP 9 (Earned Income Credit)
Total N=400
We are conducting a web-based survey for the IRS to determine the effectiveness of its notices. The survey is
voluntary, and we will keep information anonymous or private as allowed by law. The survey will only take about 20
minutes to complete. It involves reading and answering questions about two notices; there are XX pages in all.
The Paperwork Reduction Act requires that the IRS display an OMB control number on all public information requests.
The OMB Control Number for this study is OMB# 1545-1432 . Also, if you have any comments regarding the time
estimates associated with this study or suggestions on making this process simpler, please write to the Internal
Revenue Service, Tax Products Coordinating Committee, SE:W:CAR:MP:T:T:SP, 1111 Constitution Ave. NW,
Washington, DC 20224.
Screeners & Demographics
PN:
QS1
PN:
QS2
PN:
QS3
PN:
QS4
QS5
PN:
Ask everyone; Single response
Ask everyone; Single response
What is your gender?
( ) Male
( ) Female
Ask everyone; Single response
( ) Under 18 (TERMINATE)
( ) 18–29
( ) 30–39
( ) 40–49
( ) 50–59
( ) 60+
Ask everyone; Single response
What is your marital status?
( ) Married
( ) Single
( ) Divorced/Separated
( ) Widowed
Ask everyone; Single response
Which of the following categories includes your annual household income?
( ) Under $25,000
( ) $25,000–$34,999
( ) $35,000–$49,999
( ) $50,000–$75,000
( ) $100,000–$149,000
( ) $150,000 or more
( ) Prefer not to say
Are you of Hispanic or Latino origin (ethnicity)?
( ) Yes
( ) No
What is your race? Please select one or more. Are you...
QS6
( ) White
PN:
Ask everyone; Single response. Accept ( ) Black or African American
all multiple answers.
( ) Asian
( ) Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
( ) American Indian or Alaskan Native
PN:
QS7
PN:
QS8
Document review
Directions for reading through
document
Ask everyone; Single response; drop-down menu
In which state is your primary residence?
Ask everyone; Single response
Have you paid federal taxes in the past 5 years?
( ) Yes
( ) No (TERMINATE)
Read through the document; you must review all the pages, including the worksheet. You can use the thumbnails and
arrows at the top to go from page to page. Use the scroll bar on the right to scroll through each page.
If you find a section confusing or hard to understand, click on it with your mouse to indicate that it’s confusing.
PN:
PN:
QDOC1
Comprehension questions
PN:
Q1
Once you’ve read all the pages, you’ll be asked a series of questions about what you just read.
The participant reads (and clicks) through all pages and is taken to a series of comprehension questions. The
participant is able to go back and review the document at any time. If the participant doesn’t click on anything, before
advancing to the comprehension questions, a reminder will pop up:
“Do you want to mark anything as confusing or hard to understand? If you do, you can go back to any page and mark
the document. Otherwise, you can continue to the questions.”
If the participant has marked items, an open-ended question will appear:
You marked [X] section(s) as confusing or hard to understand. Describe what was most confusing to you.
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Anchor IDK & make mutually exclusive
Why have you received this notice?
(X) I may qualify for a tax credit
( ) I made a mistake in filing my taxes
( ) I need to file an amended return for 2007
( ) I don’t know
1
PN:
Q2
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements
What criteria disqualifies you from being eligible for the credit? Mark all that apply:
(X) If my Social Security card reads "Not Valid for Employment"
(X) If my Social Security card was issued so I could get federally funded benefits
(X) If I'm an Earned Income Credit qualifying dependent of another person
( ) If I applied for the credit last year
PN:
Q3
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Multi-response
What action(s) does the notice instruct you to take? Mark all that apply:
(X) Fill out the worksheet to determine if you qualify for the credit
(X) If you're eligible for the credit, return the worksheet to the IRS
( ) Fill out the worksheet next year when you complete your taxes
( ) Redo your taxes (file an amended return) to claim the credit
( ) Fill out the worksheet next year when you complete your taxes
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Anchor IDK & make mutually exclusive
PN:
Q4
PN:
Q5
PN:
Q6
Q6
Simplicity Index Questions
PN:
QDOC2
What Steps does the worksheet instruct you to take?
(X) Complete Step 1 to determine if I'm eligible to continue completing the worksheet
( ) Complete Steps 1-4
( ) Complete Step 1, 2 and 3, and return the worksheet to the IRS
( ) I don't know
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Single response
If you qualify for the credit, but still owe the IRS other taxes or debts, will you receive a refund check?
( ) Yes, it should arrive in 6–8 weeks
(X) Maybe, it depends on the amount of taxes I still owe
( ) No
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Single response
What should you do if you're eligible for the credit?
(X) Sign and date the worksheet, and mail it to the IRS
( ) Write "EIC" on my tax return next year
( ) File an amended return
( ) Wait to be contacted by an IRS representative
What should you do if you're eligible for the credit?
(X) Sign and date the worksheet, and mail it to the IRS
( ) Write "EIC" on my tax return next year
( ) File an amended return
( ) Wait to be contacted by an IRS representative
Ask everyone; Radio buttons, 1–5; randomize statements
Looking at this document, please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements, where 5 is
“Strongly agree” and 1 is “Strongly disagree”
Clarity
The notice is well organized
It is easy for me to understand the content and wording in the notice
The notice is visually clear
The typeface and type size are easy to read
The notice helps me understand my situation
Freshness
The tone of the notice is better than I expected
The tone of the notice is respectful
The notice looks better than I expected
Honesty
The notice is straightforward
The notice explains the IRS’s decisions and the reasoning behind them
Usefulness
The notice helps me understand what actions I can take next
The notice anticipates my questions
The notice provides an appropriate level of detail
The notice provides factual information for me to base my decision on
Inspiration
The notice makes me feel that the IRS wants me to be well informed
The notice makes me feel like I can contact the IRS for help if I need it
2
Behavioral questions
PN:
QDOC3
PN:
QDOC4
Preference questions
PN:
QDOC5
PN:
QDOC6
PN:
QDOC7
Thank you screen
Ask everyone; Radio buttons
To what extent does the presentation and tone of the notice make you more likely to read the entire document?
( ) Much more likely
( ) Somewhat more likely
( ) No difference
( ) Somewhat less likely
( ) Much less likely
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements
If you received this notice, what would you do? The more honest you can be about your response, the more it will help
us create effective communications. Mark all that apply:
( ) Not open it immediately, wait a few days/weeks until I had the time to focus on it
( ) Contact an accountant for help
( ) Call the IRS
( ) Go to the IRS website (www.irs.gov) for help
( ) Find an IRS publication for an explanation
( ) Find an IRS tax clinic
( ) Wait to see if I receive another notice
( ) I wouldn't do anything
( ) Complete the form and worksheet, and mail it in if I were eligible
( ) Other _________________________
Show wireframe document and allow respondent to click on only 1 document
Click on the document that provided a clearer explanation for what you needed to do.
Ask everyone; Open ended text box
What is it about this notice that made it clearer?
Ask everyone; Open ended text box
Is there any other information that was left out, but would have helped you respond? If so, please describe.
3
Notice
Sample Size
Intro Text & Disclaimer
CP 276B (FTD filed late/incorrectly)
Total N=400
We are conducting a web-based survey for the IRS to determine the effectiveness of its notices. The survey is
voluntary, and we will keep information anonymous or private as allowed by law. The survey will only take about 20
minutes to complete. It involves reading and answering questions about two notices; there are XX pages in all.
The Paperwork Reduction Act requires that the IRS display an OMB control number on all public information requests.
The OMB Control Number for this study is OMB# 1545-1432 . Also, if you have any comments regarding the time
estimates associated with this study or suggestions on making this process simpler, please write to the Internal
Revenue Service, Tax Products Coordinating Committee, SE:W:CAR:MP:T:T:SP, 1111 Constitution Ave. NW,
Washington, DC 20224.
Screeners & Demographics
PN:
QS1
PN:
QS2
PN:
QS3
PN:
QS4
QS5
PN:
Ask everyone; Single response
Ask everyone; Single response
What is your gender?
( ) Male
( ) Female
Ask everyone; Single response
( ) Under 18 (TERMINATE)
( ) 18–29
( ) 30–39
( ) 40–49
( ) 50–59
( ) 60+
Ask everyone; Single response
What is your marital status?
( ) Married
( ) Single
( ) Divorced/Separated
( ) Widowed
Ask everyone; Single response
Which of the following categories includes your annual household income?
( ) Under $25,000
( ) $25,000–$34,999
( ) $35,000–$49,999
( ) $50,000–$75,000
( ) $100,000–$149,000
( ) $150,000 or more
( ) Prefer not to say
Are you of Hispanic or Latino origin (ethnicity)?
( ) Yes
( ) No
What is your race? Please select one or more. Are you...
QS6
( ) White
PN:
Ask everyone; Single response. Accept ( ) Black or African American
all multiple answers.
( ) Asian
( ) Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
( ) American Indian or Alaskan Native
PN:
QS7
PN:
QS8
Document review
Directions for reading through
document
Ask everyone; Single response; drop-down menu
In which state is your primary residence?
Ask everyone; Single response
Have you paid federal taxes in the past 5 years?
( ) Yes
( ) No (TERMINATE)
Read through the document; you must review all the pages, including the worksheet. You can use the thumbnails and
arrows at the top to go from page to page. Use the scroll bar on the right to scroll through each page.
If you find a section confusing or hard to understand, click on it with your mouse to indicate that it’s confusing.
PN:
PN:
QDOC1
Comprehension questions
PN:
Q1
Once you’ve read all the pages, you’ll be asked a series of questions about what you just read.
The participant reads (and clicks) through all pages and is taken to a series of comprehension questions. The
participant is able to go back and review the document at any time. If the participant doesn’t click on anything, before
advancing to the comprehension questions, a reminder will pop up:
“Do you want to mark anything as confusing or hard to understand? If you do, you can go back to any page and mark
the document. Otherwise, you can continue to the questions.”
If the participant has marked items, an open-ended question will appear:
You marked [X] section(s) as confusing or hard to understand. Describe what was most confusing to you.
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Anchor IDK & make mutually exclusive
Why have you received this notice?
(X) I filed my Federal Tax Deposit after its due date
( ) I haven't filed my Federal Tax Deposit for 2008
( ) I filed my Federal Tax Deposit incorrectly
( ) I don't know
4
PN:
Q2
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Multi-response
What does the notice instruct you to do? Check all that apply:
( ) Pay a penalty
( ) Contact the IRS to review my payments
(X) Deposit by the correct due date next quarter
( ) Make an additional deposit
PN:
Q3
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Single response
When is your Federal Tax Deposit due?
( ) At the end of each quarter
(X) The due date depends on my business
( ) At the end of each year
( ) At the end of each month
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Single response
PN:
Q4
Simplicity Index Questions
PN:
QDOC2
How is the failure-to-deposit penalty calculated?
(X ) It's calculated based on the number of days the deposit is late
( ) It's calculated based on the amount deposited
( ) It's calculated based on a flat rate
( ) It's calculated based on which quarter the deposit was filed in
Ask everyone; Radio buttons, 1–5; randomize statements
Looking at this document, please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements, where 5 is
“Strongly agree” and 1 is “Strongly disagree”
Clarity
The notice is well organized
It is easy for me to understand the content and wording in the notice
The notice is visually clear
The typeface and type size are easy to read
The notice helps me understand my situation
Freshness
The tone of the notice is better than I expected
The tone of the notice is respectful
The notice looks better than I expected
Honesty
The notice is straightforward
The notice explains the IRS’s decisions and the reasoning behind them
Usefulness
The notice helps me understand what actions I can take next
The notice anticipates my questions
The notice provides an appropriate level of detail
The notice provides factual information for me to base my decision on
Inspiration
The notice makes me feel that the IRS wants me to be well informed
The notice makes me feel like I can contact the IRS for help if I need it
Behavioral questions
PN:
QDOC3
PN:
QDOC4
Ask everyone; Radio buttons
To what extent does the presentation and tone of the notice make you more likely to read the entire document?
( ) Much more likely
( ) Somewhat more likely
( ) No difference
( ) Somewhat less likely
( ) Much less likely
Same
If you received this notice, what would you do? The more honest you can be about your response, the more it will help
us create effective communications. Mark all that apply:
( ) Not open it immediately, wait a few days/weeks until I had the time to focus on it
( ) Contact an accountant for help
( ) Call the IRS
( ) Go to the IRS website (www.irs.gov) for help
( ) Find an IRS publication for an explanation
( ) Find an IRS tax clinic
( ) Wait to see if I receive another notice
( ) I wouldn't do anything
( ) Save it for reference when I file my next quarterly deposit
( ) Other _________________________
5
Preference questions
PN:
QDOC5
PN:
QDOC6
PN:
QDOC7
Thank you screen
Show wireframe document and allow respondent to click on only 1 document
Click on the document that provided a clearer explanation for what you needed to do.
Ask everyone; Open ended text box
What is it about this notice that made it clearer?
Ask everyone; Open ended text box
Is there any other information that was left out, but would have helped you respond? If so, please describe.
6
Notice
Sample Size
Intro Text & Disclaimer
CP 22A (Adjustment - Outstanding Balance Due)
Total N=400
We are conducting a web-based survey for the IRS to determine the effectiveness of its notices. The survey is
voluntary, and we will keep information anonymous or private as allowed by law. The survey will only take about 20
minutes to complete. It involves reading and answering questions about two notices; there are XX pages in all.
The Paperwork Reduction Act requires that the IRS display an OMB control number on all public information requests.
The OMB Control Number for this study is OMB# 1545-1432 . Also, if you have any comments regarding the time
estimates associated with this study or suggestions on making this process simpler, please write to the Internal
Revenue Service, Tax Products Coordinating Committee, SE:W:CAR:MP:T:T:SP, 1111 Constitution Ave. NW,
Washington, DC 20224.
Screeners & Demographics
PN:
QS1
PN:
QS2
PN:
QS3
PN:
QS4
QS5
PN:
Ask everyone; Single response
Ask everyone; Single response
What is your gender?
( ) Male
( ) Female
Ask everyone; Single response
( ) Under 18 (TERMINATE)
( ) 18–29
( ) 30–39
( ) 40–49
( ) 50–59
( ) 60+
Ask everyone; Single response
What is your marital status?
( ) Married
( ) Single
( ) Divorced/Separated
( ) Widowed
Ask everyone; Single response
Which of the following categories includes your annual household income?
( ) Under $25,000
( ) $25,000–$34,999
( ) $35,000–$49,999
( ) $50,000–$75,000
( ) $100,000–$149,000
( ) $150,000 or more
Are you of Hispanic or Latino origin (ethnicity)?
( ) Yes
( ) No
What is your race? Please select one or more. Are you...
QS6
( ) White
PN:
Ask everyone; Single response. Accept ( ) Black or African American
all multiple answers.
( ) Asian
( ) Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
( ) American Indian or Alaskan Native
PN:
QS7
PN:
QS8
Document review
Directions for reading through
document
Ask everyone; Single response; drop-down menu
In which state is your primary residence?
Ask everyone; Single response
Have you paid federal taxes in the past 5 years?
( ) Yes
( ) No (TERMINATE)
Read through the document; you must review all the pages, including the worksheet. You can use the thumbnails and
arrows at the top to go from page to page. Use the scroll bar on the right to scroll through each page.
If you find a section confusing or hard to understand, click on it with your mouse to indicate that it’s confusing.
PN:
PN:
QDOC1
Comprehension questions
PN:
Q1
Once you’ve read all the pages, you’ll be asked a series of questions about what you just read.
The participant reads (and clicks) through all pages and is taken to a series of comprehension questions. The
participant is able to go back and review the document at any time. If the participant doesn’t click on anything, before
advancing to the comprehension questions, a reminder will pop up:
“Do you want to mark anything as confusing or hard to understand? If you do, you can go back to any page and mark
the document. Otherwise, you can continue to the questions.”
If the participant has marked items, an open-ended question will appear:
You marked [X] section(s) as confusing or hard to understand. Describe what was most confusing to you.
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Single response
Why have you received this notice?
(X) My return was adjusted, and I owe less tax
( ) I filed a 1040EZ instead of a 1040
( ) I need to file an amended return for 2004
( ) I owe penalties and interest
7
PN:
Q2
Ask everyone; open ended
What is the total amount you need to pay the IRS?
PN:
Q3
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Single response
What action does the notice instruct me to take?
(X) Make a payment
( ) Contact an accountant to help me
( ) Appeal in writing by sending a certified letter
( ) Submit paperwork to prove the amount of income you reported was correct
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Multi-response
PN:
Q4
PN:
Q5
PN:
Q6
Simplicity Index Questions
PN:
QDOC2
If you can't pay the full amount, which action(s) does the notice instruct you to take? Mark all that apply:
( ) It doesn’t suggest any actions
(X) Pay as much as I can
(X) Contact the IRS to make payment arrangements
( ) Appeal in writing by sending a certified letter
( ) Pay only the interest and penalties
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Single response
If you don't respond, what will happen?
( ) The notice doesn’t say
( ) You will be audited
( ) The IRS will immediately seize your property
(X) You will owe more money since there will be additional interest and, possibly, penalties
Ask everyone, Radio buttons, Randomize statements; Multi-response
Why was your account corrected?
(X) To change filing status to head of household
(X) To change the total exemption amount?
( ) The notice doesn't say
( ) To change the total income amount
(X) To change the total exemption amount
( ) To remove a credit that was claimed
( ) To change the total income amount
Ask everyone; Radio buttons, 1–5; randomize statements
Looking at this document, please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements, where 5 is
“Strongly agree” and 1 is “Strongly disagree”
Clarity
The notice is well organized
It is easy for me to understand the content and wording in the notice
The notice is visually clear
The typeface and type size are easy to read
The notice helps me understand my situation
Freshness
The tone of the notice is better than I expected
The tone of the notice is respectful
The notice looks better than I expected
Honesty
The notice is straightforward
The notice explains the IRS’s decisions and the reasoning behind them
Usefulness
The notice helps me understand what actions I can take next
The notice anticipates my questions
The notice provides an appropriate level of detail
The notice provides factual information for me to base my decision on
Inspiration
The notice makes me feel that the IRS wants me to be well informed
The notice makes me feel like I can contact the IRS for help if I need it
Behavioral questions
PN:
QDOC3
Ask everyone; Radio buttons
To what extent does the presentation and tone of the notice make you more likely to read the entire document?
(
(
(
(
(
) Much more likely
) Somewhat more likely
) No difference
) Somewhat less likely
) Much less likely
8
PN:
QDOC4
Preference questions
PN:
QDOC5
PN:
QDOC6
PN:
QDOC7
Thank you screen
Same
If you received this notice, what would you do? The more honest you can be about your response, the more it will help
us create effective communications. Mark all that apply:
( ) Not open it immediately, wait a few days/weeks until I had the time to focus on it
( ) Contact an accountant for help
( ) Call the IRS
( ) Go to the IRS website (www.irs.gov) for help
( ) Find an IRS publication for an explanation
( ) Find an IRS tax clinic
( ) Wait to see if I receive another notice
( ) I wouldn't do anything
( ) Pay in full
( ) Request an installment plan or some other payment arrangement
( ) Not pay
( ) Other _________________________
Show wireframe document and allow respondent to click on only 1 document
Click on the document that provided a clearer explanation for what you needed to do.
Ask everyone; Open ended text box
What is it about this notice that made it clearer?
Ask everyone; Open ended text box
Is there any other information that was left out, but would have helped you respond? If so, please describe.
9
Notice
Sample Size
Intro Text & Disclaimer
CP523 (Intent to terminate Installment Agreement)
Total N=400
We are conducting a web-based survey for the IRS to determine the effectiveness of its notices. The survey is
voluntary, and we will keep information anonymous or private as allowed by law. The survey will only take about 20
minutes to complete. It involves reading and answering questions about two notices; there are XX pages in all.
The Paperwork Reduction Act requires that the IRS display an OMB control number on all public information requests.
The OMB Control Number for this study is OMB# 1545-1432 . Also, if you have any comments regarding the time
estimates associated with this study or suggestions on making this process simpler, please write to the Internal
Revenue Service, Tax Products Coordinating Committee, SE:W:CAR:MP:T:T:SP, 1111 Constitution Ave. NW,
Washington, DC 20224.
Screeners & Demographics
PN:
QS1
PN:
QS2
PN:
QS3
PN:
QS4
QS5
PN:
Ask everyone; Single response
Ask everyone; Single response
What is your gender?
( ) Male
( ) Female
Ask everyone; Single response
( ) Under 18 (TERMINATE)
( ) 18–29
( ) 30–39
( ) 40–49
( ) 50–59
( ) 60+
Ask everyone; Single response
What is your marital status?
( ) Married
( ) Single
( ) Divorced/Separated
( ) Widowed
Ask everyone; Single response
Which of the following categories includes your annual household income?
( ) Under $25,000
( ) $25,000–$34,999
( ) $35,000–$49,999
( ) $50,000–$75,000
( ) $100,000–$149,000
( ) $150,000 or more
Are you of Hispanic or Latino origin (ethnicity)?
( ) Yes
( ) No
What is your race? Please select one or more. Are you...
QS6
( ) White
PN:
Ask everyone; Single response. Accept ( ) Black or African American
all multiple answers.
( ) Asian
( ) Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
( ) American Indian or Alaskan Native
PN:
QS7
PN:
QS8
Document review
Directions for reading through
document
Ask everyone; Single response; drop-down menu
In which state is your primary residence?
Ask everyone; Single response
Have you paid federal taxes in the past 5 years?
( ) Yes
( ) No (TERMINATE)
Read through the document; you must review all the pages, including the worksheet. You can use the thumbnails and
arrows at the top to go from page to page. Use the scroll bar on the right to scroll through each page.
If you find a section confusing or hard to understand, click on it with your mouse to indicate that it’s confusing.
PN:
PN:
QDOC1
Comprehension questions
PN:
Q1
Once you’ve read all the pages, you’ll be asked a series of questions about what you just read.
The participant reads (and clicks) through all pages and is taken to a series of comprehension questions. The
participant is able to go back and review the document at any time. If the participant doesn’t click on anything, before
advancing to the comprehension questions, a reminder will pop up:
“Do you want to mark anything as confusing or hard to understand? If you do, you can go back to any page and mark
the document. Otherwise, you can continue to the questions.”
If the participant has marked items, an open-ended question will appear:
You marked [X] section(s) as confusing or hard to understand. Describe what was most confusing to you.
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Single response
Why have you received this notice?
(X) I am late on my installment payments to the IRS
( ) I owe additional tax
( ) I didn't pay my taxes in full
( ) I don’t know
10
PN:
Q2
PN:
Q3
PN:
Q4
PN:
Q5
PN:
Q6
Q6
Simplicity Index Questions
PN:
QDOC2
Ask everyone; open ended
What is the total amount you need to pay the IRS ?
$3,999.86
Ask everyone; open ended; Randomize statements; Single response
What action does the notice instruct you to take?
(X) Pay my full amount due immediately
( ) Apply for another installment agreement
( ) Pay my past due amount and any current payments immediately
( ) Pay my taxes for this year
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Multi-response
If you don't make a payment, what will happen? Mark all that apply:
If you don't make a payment, what will happen? Mark all that apply:
(X) The IRS may seize my state tax refund and apply it to my amount due
(X) I will be charged additional penalties and interest
(X) The IRS can file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien
( ) I will need to apply for a new installment agreement
Ask everyone; open ended; Randomize statements; Single response
If you can't pay the amount due, what action does the notice instruct you to take?
( ) It doesn't suggest any actions
(X) Contact the IRS to discuss reinstating or restructuring my agreement
( ) Appeal in writing by sending a certified letter
( ) Pay the interest and penalties only
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Multi-response
What happens if the IRS reinstates your Installment Agreement? Mark all that apply:
(X) I will be charged a $45 reinstatement fee
(X) The reinstatement fee will be deducted from my first payment
( ) I will owe less money
( ) I will owe only penalties and interest
What happens if the IRS reinstates your Installment Agreement? Mark all that apply:
(X) I will be charged a $45 reinstatement fee
(X) The reinstatement fee will be added to my first payment
( ) I will owe less money
( ) I will owe only penalties and interest
Ask everyone; Radio buttons, 1–5; randomize statements
Looking at this document, please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements, where 5 is
“Strongly agree” and 1 is “Strongly disagree”
Clarity
The notice is well organized
It is easy for me to understand the content and wording in the notice
The notice is visually clear
The typeface and type size are easy to read
The notice helps me understand my situation
Freshness
The tone of the notice is better than I expected
The tone of the notice is respectful
The notice looks better than I expected
Honesty
The notice is straightforward
The notice explains the IRS’s decisions and the reasoning behind them
Usefulness
The notice helps me understand what actions I can take next
The notice anticipates my questions
The notice provides an appropriate level of detail
The notice provides factual information for me to base my decision on
Inspiration
The notice makes me feel that the IRS wants me to be well informed
The notice makes me feel like I can contact the IRS for help if I need it
Behavioral questions
PN:
QDOC3
Ask everyone; Radio buttons
To what extent does the presentation and tone of the notice make you more likely to read the entire document?
(
(
(
(
(
) Much more likely
) Somewhat more likely
) No difference
) Somewhat less likely
) Much less likely
11
PN:
QDOC4
Preference questions
PN:
QDOC5
PN:
QDOC6
PN:
QDOC7
Thank you screen
Same
If you received this notice, what would you do? The more honest you can be about your response, the more it will help
us create effective communications. Mark all that apply:
( ) Not open it immediately, wait a few days/weeks until I had the time to focus on it
( ) Contact an accountant for help
( ) Call the IRS
( ) Go to the IRS website (www.irs.gov) for help
( ) Find an IRS publication for an explanation
( ) Find an IRS tax clinic
( ) Wait to see if I receive another notice
( ) I wouldn't do anything
( ) Pay the amount due
( ) Request to have your installment agreement restructured
( ) Not pay
( ) Other _________________________
Show wireframe document and allow respondent to click on only 1 document
Click on the document that provided a clearer explanation for what you needed to do.
Ask everyone; Open ended text box
What is it about this notice that made it clearer?
Ask everyone; Open ended text box
Is there any other information that was left out, but would have helped you respond? If so, please describe.
12
Notice
Sample Size
Intro Text & Disclaimer
CP2501 (1040 doesn't match what's was reported to the IRS)
Total N=400
We are conducting a web-based survey for the IRS to determine the effectiveness of its notices. The survey is
voluntary, and we will keep information anonymous or private as allowed by law. The survey will only take about 20
minutes to complete. It involves reading and answering questions about two notices; there are XX pages in all.
The Paperwork Reduction Act requires that the IRS display an OMB control number on all public information requests.
The OMB Control Number for this study is OMB# 1545-1432 . Also, if you have any comments regarding the time
estimates associated with this study or suggestions on making this process simpler, please write to the Internal
Revenue Service, Tax Products Coordinating Committee, SE:W:CAR:MP:T:T:SP, 1111 Constitution Ave. NW,
Washington, DC 20224.
Screeners & Demographics
PN:
QS1
PN:
QS2
PN:
QS3
PN:
QS4
QS5
PN:
Ask everyone; Single response
Ask everyone; Single response
What is your gender?
( ) Male
( ) Female
Ask everyone; Single response
( ) Under 18 (TERMINATE)
( ) 18–29
( ) 30–39
( ) 40–49
( ) 50–59
( ) 60+
Ask everyone; Single response
What is your marital status?
( ) Married
( ) Single
( ) Divorced/Separated
( ) Widowed
Ask everyone; Single response
Which of the following categories includes your annual household income?
( ) Under $25,000
( ) $25,000–$34,999
( ) $35,000–$49,999
( ) $50,000–$75,000
( ) $100,000–$149,000
( ) $150,000 or more
( ) Prefer not to say
Are you of Hispanic or Latino origin (ethnicity)?
( ) Yes
( ) No
What is your race? Please select one or more. Are you...
QS6
( ) White
PN:
Ask everyone; Single response. Accept ( ) Black or African American
all multiple answers.
( ) Asian
( ) Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
( ) American Indian or Alaskan Native
PN:
QS7
PN:
QS8
Document review
Directions for reading through
document
Ask everyone; Single response; drop-down menu
In which state is your primary residence?
Ask everyone; Single response
Have you paid federal taxes in the past 5 years?
( ) Yes
( ) No (TERMINATE)
Read through the document; you must review all the pages, including the worksheet. You can use the thumbnails and
arrows at the top to go from page to page. Use the scroll bar on the right to scroll through each page.
If you find a section confusing or hard to understand, click on it with your mouse to indicate that it’s confusing.
PN:
PN:
QDOC1
Comprehension questions
PN:
Q1
Once you’ve read all the pages, you’ll be asked a series of questions about what you just read.
The participant reads (and clicks) through all pages and is taken to a series of comprehension questions. The
participant is able to go back and review the document at any time. If the participant doesn’t click on anything, before
advancing to the comprehension questions, a reminder will pop up:
“Do you want to mark anything as confusing or hard to understand? If you do, you can go back to any page and mark
the document. Otherwise, you can continue to the questions.”
If the participant has marked items, an open-ended question will appear:
You marked [X] section(s) as confusing or hard to understand. Describe what was most confusing to you.
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Single response
Why have you received this notice?
( ) There was an error in my tax return and, as a result, I owe additional taxes, penalties, and interest
( ) I filed a 1040EZ instead of a 1040
(X) The information I reported on my 1040 is different from what others reported to the IRS
( ) I need to file an amended return
13
PN:
Q2
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Single response
What action does the notice instruct you to take?
(X) Review my 2006 tax return, compare it to what was reported by others, and complete and return the Response form
( ) Contact third parties to determine why information doesn't match
( ) Pay the amount due, including interest and penalties
( ) Review my 2006 return and compare it to what was reported by others, and file an amended return
PN:
Q3
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Single response
If you agree with the information shown, what action does the notice instruct you to take?
( ) File an amended return, along with supporting documents, such as a corrected W-2
( ) Wait until I receive a notice of proposed tax changes
(X) Indicate on the Response form that I agree with the information, and that I understand I'll receive a notice with
proposed tax changes
( ) Contact an accountant to help me
PN:
Q4
PN:
Q5
PN:
Q6
Q6
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Single response
If you disagree with the information shown, what action does the notice instruct you to take?
( X) Indicate on the Response form that I don't agree with the changes, and send supporting documents, such as a
corrected W-2
( ) Contact the IRS to review my account
( ) File an amended return, along with supporting documents, such as a corrected W-2
( ) Wait until I receive a notice of proposed tax changes
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Multi-response
If you don't respond, what does the notice say will happen? Mark all that apply:
( ) The notice doesn’t say
(X) I will owe more money since there will be additional interest and, possibly, penalties
(X) I will receive a notice explaining the proposed changes to my return
( ) I will be audited
( ) The IRS will immediately seize my property
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Multi response
What action does the response form instruct you to take? Mark all that apply:
(X) Give my contact information
(X) Choose whether I agree or disagree with the information
(X) Send the completed form to the IRS and any supporting documents if I disagree with the information listed
( ) Return the form with my return
Simplicity Index Questions
PN:
QDOC2
Ask everyone; Radio buttons, 1–5; randomize statements
Looking at this document, please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements, where 5 is
“Strongly agree” and 1 is “Strongly disagree”
Clarity
The notice is well organized
It is easy for me to understand the content and wording in the notice
The notice is visually clear
The typeface and type size are easy to read
The notice helps me understand my situation
Freshness
The tone of the notice is better than I expected
The tone of the notice is respectful
The notice looks better than I expected
Honesty
The notice is straightforward
The notice explains the IRS’s decisions and the reasoning behind them
Usefulness
The notice helps me understand what actions I can take next
The notice anticipates my questions
The notice provides an appropriate level of detail
The notice provides factual information for me to base my decision on
Inspiration
The notice makes me feel that the IRS wants me to be well informed
The notice makes me feel like I can contact the IRS for help if I need it
14
Behavioral questions
PN:
QDOC3
PN:
QDOC4
Preference questions
PN:
QDOC5
PN:
QDOC6
PN:
QDOC7
Thank you screen
Ask everyone; Radio buttons
To what extent does the presentation and tone of the notice make you more likely to read the entire document?
( ) Much more likely
( ) Somewhat more likely
( ) No difference
( ) Somewhat less likely
( ) Much less likely
Same
If you received this notice, what would you do? The more honest you can be about your response, the more it will help
us create effective communications. Mark all that apply:
( ) Not open it immediately, wait a few days/weeks until I had the time to focus on it
( ) Contact an accountant for help
( ) Call the IRS
( ) Go to the IRS website (www.irs.gov) for help
( ) Find an IRS publication for an explanation
( ) Find an IRS tax clinic
( ) Wait to see if I receive another notice
( ) I wouldn't do anything
( ) Review my return and complete the response form
( ) Other _________________________
Show wireframe document and allow respondent to click on only 1 document
Click on the document that provided a clearer explanation for what you needed to do.
Ask everyone; Open ended text box
What is it about this notice that made it clearer?
Ask everyone; Open ended text box
Is there any other information that was left out, but would have helped you respond? If so, please describe.
15
Notice
Sample Size
Intro Text & Disclaimer
CP566SP (Information needed to process Form W-7)
Total N=400
We are conducting a web-based survey for the IRS to determine the effectiveness of its notices. The survey is
voluntary, and we will keep information anonymous or private as allowed by law. The survey will only take about 20
minutes to complete. It involves reading and answering questions about two notices; there are XX pages in all.
The Paperwork Reduction Act requires that the IRS display an OMB control number on all public information requests.
The OMB Control Number for this study is OMB# 1545-1432 . Also, if you have any comments regarding the time
estimates associated with this study or suggestions on making this process simpler, please write to the Internal
Revenue Service, Tax Products Coordinating Committee, SE:W:CAR:MP:T:T:SP, 1111 Constitution Ave. NW,
Washington, DC 20224.
Screeners & Demographics
PN:
QS1
PN:
QS2
PN:
QS3
PN:
QS4
QS5
PN:
Ask everyone; Single response
Ask everyone; Single response
What is your gender?
( ) Male
( ) Female
Ask everyone; Single response
( ) Under 18 (TERMINATE)
( ) 18–29
( ) 30–39
( ) 40–49
( ) 50–59
( ) 60+
Ask everyone; Single response
What is your marital status?
( ) Married
( ) Single
( ) Divorced/Separated
( ) Widowed
Ask everyone; Single response
Which of the following categories includes your annual household income?
( ) Under $25,000
( ) $25,000–$34,999
( ) $35,000–$49,999
( ) $50,000–$75,000
( ) $100,000–$149,000
( ) $150,000 or more
( ) Prefer not to say
Are you of Hispanic or Latino origin (ethnicity)?
( ) Yes
( ) No
What is your race? Please select one or more. Are you...
QS6
( ) White
PN:
Ask everyone; Single response. Accept ( ) Black or African American
all multiple answers.
( ) Asian
( ) Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
( ) American Indian or Alaskan Native
PN:
QS7
PN:
QS8
Document review
Directions for reading through
document
Ask everyone; Single response; drop-down menu
In which state is your primary residence?
Ask everyone; Single response
Have you paid federal taxes in the past 5 years?
( ) Yes
( ) No (TERMINATE)
Read through the document; you must review all the pages, including the worksheet. You can use the thumbnails and
arrows at the top to go from page to page. Use the scroll bar on the right to scroll through each page.
If you find a section confusing or hard to understand, click on it with your mouse to indicate that it’s confusing.
PN:
PN:
QDOC1
Comprehension questions
PN:
Q1
Once you’ve read all the pages, you’ll be asked a series of questions about what you just read.
The participant reads (and clicks) through all pages and is taken to a series of comprehension questions. The
participant is able to go back and review the document at any time. If the participant doesn’t click on anything, before
advancing to the comprehension questions, a reminder will pop up:
“Do you want to mark anything as confusing or hard to understand? If you do, you can go back to any page and mark
the document. Otherwise, you can continue to the questions.”
If the participant has marked items, an open-ended question will appear:
You marked [X] section(s) as confusing or hard to understand. Describe what was most confusing to you.
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Single response
Why have you received this notice?
( ) I am being assigned a Social Security number
(X) The W-7 application I filed is missing information
( ) I need to refile my W-7 application
( ) I am no longer eligible for an Individual Tax Identification number (ITIN)
16
PN:
Q2
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Multi-response
What IRS criteria is necessary for your U.S. issued documentation to be considered valid? Mark all that apply:
(
(
(
(
PN:
Q3
) Be issued by USCIS, U.S. military or U.S. state agency
) Be unexpired
) Show my name (must match my name on the Form W-7 and your tax return)
) Show the applicant is under 18 years of age at the time of the application for medical and/or school records
(X) All of the above
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Single response
If you are submitting copies of your documentation it must be:
( ) Photocopied in color
(X) Notarized by a U.S. Notary Public or by a foreign notary
( ) Stamped "for unofficial use only"
( ) Photocopied on the front side only if documentation has information on both sides
PN:
Q4
PN:
Q5
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Single response
If we don't receive your Response form and supporting documentation by April 15, 2008, what will happen to your
application?
(X) My application will be denied
( ) My application will be processed and I will be issued a temporary Individual Tax Identification number (ITIN)
( ) My application will be on hold indefinitely
( ) My application will be mailed to my foreign consulate in Washington, D.C. for processing
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Multi-response
The following documents are accepted by the IRS that can prove your foreign status and identity. Mark all that apply:
( ) Foreign driver's license
(X) Foreign military identification card
(X) National identification card
( ) U.S. state identification card
PN:
Q6
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Single response
What should you do if you're eligible for the credit?
Q6
How should you send your response and any documentation?
(X) By mail
( ) By email
( ) By fax
( ) By Federal Express
Simplicity Index Questions
PN:
QDOC2
Ask everyone; Radio buttons, 1–5; randomize statements
Looking at this document, please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements, where 5 is
“Strongly agree” and 1 is “Strongly disagree”
Clarity
The notice is well organized
It is easy for me to understand the content and wording in the notice
The notice is visually clear
The typeface and type size are easy to read
The notice helps me understand my situation
Freshness
The tone of the notice is better than I expected
The tone of the notice is respectful
The notice looks better than I expected
Honesty
The notice is straightforward
The notice explains the IRS’s decisions and the reasoning behind them
Usefulness
The notice helps me understand what actions I can take next
The notice anticipates my questions
The notice provides an appropriate level of detail
The notice provides factual information for me to base my decision on
Inspiration
The notice makes me feel that the IRS wants me to be well informed
The notice makes me feel like I can contact the IRS for help if I need it
17
Behavioral questions
PN:
QDOC3
PN:
QDOC4
Preference questions
PN:
QDOC5
PN:
QDOC6
PN:
QDOC7
Thank you screen
Ask everyone; Radio buttons
To what extent does the presentation and tone of the notice make you more likely to read the entire document?
( ) Much more likely
( ) Somewhat more likely
( ) No difference
( ) Somewhat less likely
( ) Much less likely
Same
If you received this notice, what would you do? The more honest you can be about your response, the more it will help
us create effective communications. Mark all that apply:
( ) Not open it immediately, wait a few days/weeks until I had the time to focus on it
( ) Contact an accountant for help
( ) Call the IRS
( ) Go to the IRS website (www.irs.gov) for help
( ) Find an IRS publication for an explanation
( ) Find an IRS tax clinic
( ) Wait to see if I receive another notice
( ) I wouldn't do anything
( ) Submit the original documentation I have and not bother to photocopy it
Show wireframe document and allow respondent to click on only 1 document
Click on the document that provided a clearer explanation for what you needed to do.
Ask everyone; Open ended text box
What is it about this notice that made it clearer?
Ask everyone; Open ended text box
Is there any other information that was left out, but would have helped you respond? If so, please describe.
18
Notice
Sample Size
Intro Text & Disclaimer
CP75 (Auditing Form 1040)
Total N=400
We are conducting a web-based survey for the IRS to determine the effectiveness of its notices. The survey is
voluntary, and we will keep information anonymous or private as allowed by law. The survey will only take about 20
minutes to complete. It involves reading and answering questions about two notices; there are XX pages in all.
The Paperwork Reduction Act requires that the IRS display an OMB control number on all public information requests.
The OMB Control Number for this study is OMB# 1545-1432 . Also, if you have any comments regarding the time
estimates associated with this study or suggestions on making this process simpler, please write to the Internal
Revenue Service, Tax Products Coordinating Committee, SE:W:CAR:MP:T:T:SP, 1111 Constitution Ave. NW,
Washington, DC 20224.
Screeners & Demographics
PN:
QS1
PN:
QS2
PN:
QS3
PN:
QS4
QS5
PN:
Ask everyone; Single response
Ask everyone; Single response
What is your gender?
( ) Male
( ) Female
Ask everyone; Single response
( ) Under 18 (TERMINATE)
( ) 18–29
( ) 30–39
( ) 40–49
( ) 50–59
( ) 60+
Ask everyone; Single response
What is your marital status?
( ) Married
( ) Single
( ) Divorced/Separated
( ) Widowed
Ask everyone; Single response
Which of the following categories includes your annual household income?
( ) Under $25,000
( ) $25,000–$34,999
( ) $35,000–$49,999
( ) $50,000–$75,000
( ) $100,000–$149,000
( ) $150,000 or more
( ) Prefer not to say
Are you of Hispanic or Latino origin (ethnicity)?
( ) Yes
( ) No
What is your race? Please select one or more. Are you...
QS6
( ) White
PN:
Ask everyone; Single response. Accept ( ) Black or African American
all multiple answers.
( ) Asian
( ) Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
( ) American Indian or Alaskan Native
PN:
QS7
PN:
QS8
Document review
Directions for reading through
document
Ask everyone; Single response; drop-down menu
In which state is your primary residence?
Ask everyone; Single response
Have you paid federal taxes in the past 5 years?
( ) Yes
( ) No (TERMINATE)
Read through the document; you must review all the pages, including the worksheet. You can use the thumbnails and
arrows at the top to go from page to page. Use the scroll bar on the right to scroll through each page.
If you find a section confusing or hard to understand, click on it with your mouse to indicate that it’s confusing.
PN:
PN:
QDOC1
Comprehension questions
PN:
Q1
Once you’ve read all the pages, you’ll be asked a series of questions about what you just read.
The participant reads (and clicks) through all pages and is taken to a series of comprehension questions. The
participant is able to go back and review the document at any time. If the participant doesn’t click on anything, before
advancing to the comprehension questions, a reminder will pop up:
“Do you want to mark anything as confusing or hard to understand? If you do, you can go back to any page and mark
the document. Otherwise, you can continue to the questions.”
If the participant has marked items, an open-ended question will appear:
You marked [X] section(s) as confusing or hard to understand. Describe what was most confusing to you.
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Multi-response
Why have you received this notice?
(X) My tax return is being audited, and I need to provide the IRS with additional information
( ) Credits I claimed aren't being allowed
( ) To notify me that I don't qualify for the Earned Income Credit (EIC)
( X) To notify me that my refund for the Earned Income Credit (EIC) is being held
19
PN:
Q2
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Single response
What action does the notice instruct you to take?
(X) Send the IRS the requested information
( ) File an amended return
( ) Contact the IRS for more information
( ) Gather documentation I'll need to have on hand
PN:
Q3
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Multi response
What items are being audited? Mark all that apply:
(X) Earned Income Credit
(X) Dependents
(X) Filing Status
( ) Schedule C
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements;Multi-response
PN:
Q4
PN:
Q5
PN:
Q6
Q6
Simplicity Index Questions
PN:
QDOC2
How do you determine what information to send? Mark all that apply:
What action(s) does the notice instruct you to take?
(X) I need to review Form 886-H-EIC and take the tests listed
( ) I need to contact the IRS
( ) Redo my taxes
(X) I need to review Form 11652
( ) I don't know
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Multi-response
What happens if you don't respond?
(X) The IRS will disallow the items I've claimed, and I won't receive my EIC refund
(X) I may owe additional tax
( ) I won't be able to claim the EIC credit next year
( ) I will be audited next year
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Single response
What should you do if you can't submit the documents by their due date?
(X) Call the IRS to discuss my options
( ) Submit the documents after the due date
( ) Don't submit the documents
( ) Submit the documents when I file an amended return
Ask everyone; Radio buttons, 1–5; randomize statements
Looking at this document, please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements, where 5 is
“Strongly agree” and 1 is “Strongly disagree”
Clarity
The notice is well organized
It is easy for me to understand the content and wording in the notice
The notice is visually clear
The typeface and type size are easy to read
The notice helps me understand my situation
Freshness
The tone of the notice is better than I expected
The tone of the notice is respectful
The notice looks better than I expected
Honesty
The notice is straightforward
The notice explains the IRS’s decisions and the reasoning behind them
Usefulness
The notice helps me understand what actions I can take next
The notice anticipates my questions
The notice provides an appropriate level of detail
The notice provides factual information for me to base my decision on
Inspiration
The notice makes me feel that the IRS wants me to be well informed
The notice makes me feel like I can contact the IRS for help if I need it
20
Behavioral questions
PN:
QDOC3
PN:
QDOC4
Preference questions
PN:
QDOC5
PN:
QDOC6
PN:
QDOC7
Thank you screen
Ask everyone; Radio buttons
To what extent does the presentation and tone of the notice make you more likely to read the entire document?
( ) Much more likely
( ) Somewhat more likely
( ) No difference
( ) Somewhat less likely
( ) Much less likely
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements
If you received this notice, what would you do? The more honest you can be about your response, the more it will help
us create effective communications. Mark all that apply:
( ) Not open it immediately, wait a few days/weeks until I had the time to focus on it
( ) Contact an accountant for help
( ) Call the IRS
( ) Go to the IRS website (www.irs.gov) for help
( ) Find an IRS publication for an explanation
( ) Find an IRS tax clinic
( ) Wait to see if I receive another notice
( ) I wouldn't do anything
( ) Provide the information that's being requested
( ) Other__________________________________
Show wireframe document and allow respondent to click on only 1 document
Click on the document that provided a clearer explanation for what you needed to do.
Ask everyone; Open ended text box
What is it about this notice that made it clearer?
Ask everyone; Open ended text box
Is there any other information that was left out, but would have helped you respond? If so, please describe.
21
Notice
Sample Size
Intro Text & Disclaimer
CP2566 (have not filed return)
Total N=400
We are conducting a web-based survey for the IRS to determine the effectiveness of its notices. The survey is
voluntary, and we will keep information anonymous or private as allowed by law. The survey will only take about 20
minutes to complete. It involves reading and answering questions about two notices; there are XX pages in all.
The Paperwork Reduction Act requires that the IRS display an OMB control number on all public information requests.
The OMB Control Number for this study is OMB# 1545-1432 . Also, if you have any comments regarding the time
estimates associated with this study or suggestions on making this process simpler, please write to the Internal
Revenue Service, Tax Products Coordinating Committee, SE:W:CAR:MP:T:T:SP, 1111 Constitution Ave. NW,
Washington, DC 20224.
Screeners & Demographics
PN:
QS1
PN:
QS2
PN:
QS3
PN:
QS4
Ask everyone; Single response
What is your gender?
( ) Male
( ) Female
Ask everyone; Single response
( ) Under 18 (TERMINATE)
( ) 18–29
( ) 30–39
( ) 40–49
( ) 50–59
( ) 60+
Ask everyone; Single response
What is your marital status?
( ) Married
( ) Single
( ) Divorced/Separated
( ) Widowed
Ask everyone; Single response
Which of the following categories includes your annual household income?
( ) Under $25,000
( ) $25,000–$34,999
( ) $35,000–$49,999
( ) $50,000–$75,000
( ) $100,000–$149,000
( ) $150,000 or more
22
QS5
PN:
Ask everyone; Single response
Are you of Hispanic or Latino origin (ethnicity)?
( ) Yes
( ) No
What is your race? Please select one or more. Are you...
QS6
( ) White
PN:
Ask everyone; Single response. Accept ( ) Black or African American
all multiple answers.
( ) Asian
( ) Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
( ) American Indian or Alaskan Native
PN:
QS7
PN:
QS8
Document review
Directions for reading through
document
Ask everyone; Single response; drop-down menu
In which state is your primary residence?
Ask everyone; Single response
Have you paid federal taxes in the past 5 years?
( ) Yes
( ) No (TERMINATE)
Read through the document; you must review all the pages, including the worksheet. You can use the thumbnails and
arrows at the top to go from page to page. Use the scroll bar on the right to scroll through each page.
If you find a section confusing or hard to understand, click on it with your mouse to indicate that it’s confusing.
PN:
PN:
QDOC1
Comprehension questions
PN:
Q1
PN:
Q2
PN:
Q3
PN:
Once you’ve read all the pages, you’ll be asked a series of questions about what you just read.
The participant reads (and clicks) through all pages and is taken to a series of comprehension questions. The
participant is able to go back and review the document at any time. If the participant doesn’t click on anything, before
advancing to the comprehension questions, a reminder will pop up:
“Do you want to mark anything as confusing or hard to understand? If you do, you can go back to any page and mark
the document. Otherwise, you can continue to the questions.”
If the participant has marked items, an open-ended question will appear:
You marked [X] section(s) as confusing or hard to understand. Describe what was most confusing to you.
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Multi-response
Why have you received this notice?
( ) My tax return is being audited, and I need to provide the IRS with additional information
(X) I haven't filed my tax return and need to
( ) I have to make a payment
( ) I have to file an amended return
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Multi-response
What action does the notice instruct you to take? Mark all that apply:
(X) Complete the response form
(X) File my tax return
(X) Accept the proposed amount due and pay now if I agree with the changes to my return
( ) Wait to receive a bill showing a final amount due
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Multi-response
What happens if you don't respond? Mark all that apply:
(X) I will be charged penalties and interest until my amount due is paid in full
( ) I will be audited next year
(X) My tax will be calculated based on information the IRS received from others, and I may not receive certain
exemptions, deductions or credits
( ) My property will be seized
Ask everyone; Open ended
Q4
At this point in time, what is the total amount you need to pay?
What action(s) does the notice instruct you to take?
$999,999.99
PN:
Q5
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements; Multi-response
Why are you being charged penalties? Mark all that apply:
(X) I did not file my return on time
(X) I did not pay my taxes on time
( ) I did not pay my interest
( ) I did not file an amended return
PN:
Q6
Q6
Ask everyone; Open ended
At this point in time, what is the amount of interest you're being charged?
$999.99
23
Simplicity Index Questions
PN:
QDOC2
Ask everyone; Radio buttons, 1–5; randomize statements
Looking at this document, please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements, where 5 is
“Strongly agree” and 1 is “Strongly disagree”
Clarity
The notice is well organized
It is easy for me to understand the content and wording in the notice
The notice is visually clear
The typeface and type size are easy to read
The notice helps me understand my situation
Freshness
The tone of the notice is better than I expected
The tone of the notice is respectful
The notice looks better than I expected
Honesty
The notice is straightforward
The notice explains the IRS’s decisions and the reasoning behind them
Usefulness
The notice helps me understand what actions I can take next
The notice anticipates my questions
The notice provides an appropriate level of detail
The notice provides factual information for me to base my decision on
Inspiration
The notice makes me feel that the IRS wants me to be well informed
The notice makes me feel like I can contact the IRS for help if I need it
Behavioral questions
PN:
QDOC3
PN:
QDOC4
Preference questions
PN:
QDOC5
PN:
QDOC6
PN:
QDOC7
Thank you screen
Ask everyone; Radio buttons
To what extent does the presentation and tone of the notice make you more likely to read the entire document?
( ) Much more likely
( ) Somewhat more likely
( ) No difference
( ) Somewhat less likely
( ) Much less likely
Ask everyone; Radio buttons; Randomize statements
If you received this notice, what would you do? The more honest you can be about your response, the more it will help
us create effective communications. Mark all that apply:
( ) Not open it immediately, wait a few days/weeks until I had the time to focus on it
( ) Contact an accountant for help
( ) Call the IRS
( ) Go to the IRS website (www.irs.gov) for help
( ) Find an IRS publication for an explanation
( ) Find an IRS tax clinic
( ) Wait to see if I receive another notice
( ) I wouldn't do anything
( ) File my return
( ) Accept the proposed amount due and pay it immediately
( ) Other__________________________________
Show wireframe document and allow respondent to click on only 1 document
Click on the document that provided a clearer explanation for what you needed to do.
Ask everyone; Open ended text box
What is it about this notice that made it clearer?
Ask everyone; Open ended text box
Is there any other information that was left out, but would have helped you respond? If so, please describe.
24
Appendix 2
Survey Invitation Example:
Below is an example of a sample survey invitation. Our invitation will include #OMB#1545-1432
and PRA Statement, the amount of time it will take to complete the survey and the fact that it is
voluntary.
25
| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Title | DOCUMENTATION FOR THE GENERIC CLEARANCE |
| Author | 558022 |
| File Modified | 2011-10-21 |
| File Created | 2011-08-02 |