Which of these is NOT a step in the tax research process?

The last step in the tax research process typically involves communicating the findings and conclusions reached after conducting thorough research and analysis of the issue. This is a vital component, as it ensures that the results of the research are shared effectively with the relevant parties, whether they are clients, colleagues, or stakeholders. Communicating the answer allows for informed decision-making and aligns all involved with the recommended course of action based on the tax research.

In contrast, the other steps—obtaining all the facts, diagnosing the problem, and obtaining a letter ruling if the issue is novel—are foundational activities that precede communication. They focus on gathering information, understanding the context, and validating unique tax situations as necessary so that thorough and accurate answers can be provided later in the process. Each of these steps serves to inform and enhance the communication that follows, making it clear that they are essential components of tax research, while the act of communication itself is a critical concluding step, not one that can be eliminated.