Have a Tax Problem You Can’t Get Resolved?

Have a Tax Problem You Can’t Get Resolved?
TAS Can Help

By Peter L. Gorga Jr.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that ensures tax problems not resolved through normal channels are promptly and fairly handled. There is at least one local taxpayer advocate in each state, who is independent of the local IRS office. TAS can help if taxpayers are facing:

1. An economic hardship or significant cost;
2. A more than 30-day delay to resolve an issue; or
3. An action, response or resolution deadline imposed by the IRS but not yet met.

What Can Be Expected

Qualified taxpayers receive personalized service from advocates, who listen to individuals’ situation, help them understand what needs to be done, and work with them each step of the way until the problem is resolved to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Because TAS is part of the IRS, advocates know the tax system and how to navigate it; their independence from the Service ensures impartiality. Advocates see cases to their conclusion. If a taxpayer’s problem affects other taxpayers, TAS also works to change the system.

Gain quick access to the TAS by calling toll free 1-800-829-4059. Or write to the local taxpayer advocate, whose address and phone numbers are listed in the telephone directory and in publication 1546, “How to Get Help With Unresolved Tax Problems.” For more information, visit www.irs.gov/advocate.

Peter L. Gorga Jr. is a New York state taxpayer advocate, based in Manhattan.