Learn all about the Taxpayer Advocate Service, a free and confidential IRS program designed to help you resolve tax problems when you cannot find a solution through normal channels.
Tax season can feel overwhelming. You might be dealing with complex forms, confusing notices from the IRS, or a financial situation that makes paying your tax bill difficult. When you have tried to resolve a tax issue on your own without success, it can be incredibly frustrating. You are not alone in this.
The IRS has an entire service dedicated to helping taxpayers in exactly this position. This article will guide you through the role of a taxpayer advocate, explaining exactly what they do, who qualifies for their help, and how you can request their assistance to find a resolution.
Understanding the Taxpayer Advocate Service
The Taxpayer Advocate Service, or TAS, is an independent organization within the IRS. Their mission is to assist taxpayers who are experiencing significant financial hardship or who have been unable to resolve their tax problems through normal IRS procedures.
Think of them as your personal representative within the vast IRS system. They are free, confidential, and committed to protecting your taxpayer rights. A taxpayer advocate is not an auditor or a collector. Their primary goal is to ensure that every taxpayer is treated fairly and that you understand your rights throughout the process.
When You Might Need a Taxpayer Advocate
You may wonder what kinds of situations warrant contacting a taxpayer advocate. Their assistance is generally reserved for cases where there is a significant hardship or a systemic problem.
A significant hardship means the IRS process has caused, or is about to cause, an adverse impact on you. This could include an immediate threat of eviction or foreclosure, the inability to pay for basic necessities like food or medicine, or the imminent closure of a business.
Systemic issues are problems that you have tried to fix through normal channels multiple times without a resolution.
Common reasons people seek help include persistent problems with refund delays, errors that keep recurring despite being corrected, and receiving continuous collection notices for a debt you have already paid.
How the Taxpayer Advocate Service Helps You
Once a taxpayer advocate takes your case, they become your point of contact. They will listen to your situation, review your documentation, and work with the different departments within the IRS on your behalf.
They can help get your case moving if it is stuck, correct errors in your account, and release levies or liens in certain hardship situations. They can also help you set up payment plans or apply for an Offer in Compromise if you cannot pay your full tax bill.
Importantly, they will explain your rights and the entire process to you in clear, simple language. Their intervention can often resolve issues much faster than trying to navigate the system alone.
How to Get in Touch with a Taxpayer Advocate
Reaching out to the Taxpayer Advocate Service is a straightforward process. You can call their national helpline at 1-877-777-4778.
You can also find a local Taxpayer Advocate Office by using the office locator tool on the IRS website.
When you contact them, be prepared to explain your situation clearly and provide any relevant documentation, such as IRS notices, your Social Security number, and details about your previous attempts to resolve the issue. It is important to have this information ready so the advocate can understand your case quickly and begin working on a solution for you.
Important Factors to Consider Before Seeking Help
The Taxpayer Advocate Service is a fantastic resource, but it is not a substitute for professional tax advice for complex filing situations. They are a problem-solving service for when the standard IRS process has broken down. It is also crucial to continue addressing any IRS deadlines while your case is being reviewed.
Remember that the service is designed for genuine hardships and unresolved problems, so it is always best to try to resolve your issue through the normal IRS phone lines or your online account first. If those avenues fail, then a taxpayer advocate can be your next step.
Conclusion
Dealing with a persistent tax problem can be stressful, but you have options. The Taxpayer Advocate Service exists to ensure you are treated fairly and to help find solutions when you feel stuck. The key takeaway is that a taxpayer advocate is a free, confidential ally within the IRS who can help navigate complex issues, especially those causing financial hardship. If you have an unresolved tax problem that is impacting your life, reaching out to them could provide the assistance you need. The bottom line is you have rights as a taxpayer, and there are resources dedicated to protecting them.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Loan products, terms, amounts, rates, fees, and funding times may vary by state and applicant qualifications. All loans are subject to approval and verification under applicable law. Check City is a licensed lender in each state where it operates. Loans are intended for short-term financial needs only. Please borrow responsibly.
