Currently, taxpayers can meet with an Appeals Officer by phone, in person or virtually through videoconference technology available only at a limited number of IRS offices. The pilot program utilizes a web-based screen-sharing platform.

"Taxpayers who choose the web-based option will be able to get face-to-face service remotely," said IRS chief of appeals Donna Hansberry.

The IRS noted the web-based model has more features than the existing video-conferencing technology. The agency says it will assess results, including taxpayer satisfaction with the program.