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The Taxpayer Advocate Service of the IRS - How to Get Help With Unresolved Tax Problems, Publication 1546

HAVE A TAX PROBLEM? ....NEED HELP?

The�Taxpayer Advocate Service is an IRS program that provides an independent system to assure that tax problems, which have not been resolved through normal channels, are promptly and fairly handled. The National Taxpayer Advocate, Nina Olson, heads the program. Each state and campus has at least one local Taxpayer Advocate, who is independent of the local IRS office and reports directly to the National Taxpayer Advocate. The goals of the Taxpayer Advocate Service are to protect individual and business taxpayer rights and to reduce taxpayer burden. The Taxpayer Advocate independently represents your interests and concerns within the IRS. This is accomplished in two ways:

• Ensuring that taxpayer problems�which have not been resolved through normal channels, are promptly and fairly handled;
• Identifying issues that increase burden or create problems for taxpayers: Bringing those issues to the attention of IRS management and making legislative proposals where necessary.

WHO MAY USE THE TAXPAYER ADVOCATE SERVICE?

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS whose employees assist taxpayers who are experiencing economic harm, who are seeking help in resolving tax problems that have not been resolved through normal channels, or who believe that an IRS system or procedure is not working as it should. You may be eligible for Taxpayer Advocate Service assistance if: 

• You are experiencing economic harm or significant cost (including fees for professional representation),
• You have experienced a delay of more than 30 days to resolve your tax issue, or
• You have not received a response or resolution to the problem by the date that was promised by the IRS.

The service is free, confidential, tailored to meet your needs, and is available for businesses as well as individuals.  There is at least one Local Taxpayer Advocate in each state, as well as in Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.  Because they are part of the IRS, Advocates know the tax system and how to navigate it.  If you qualify, you will receive personalized service from a knowledgeable Advocate who will:

• Listen to your situation,
• Help you understand what needs to be done to resolve it, and
• Stay with you every step of the way until your problem is resolved.

Contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE TAXPAYER ADVOCATE?

Your assigned Case�Advocate�will listen to your point of view and will work with you to address your concerns. You can expect the advocate to provide you with:

• An impartial and independent look�at your problem;
• Timely acknowledgment;
• The name and phone number of the individual assigned to your case;
• Updates on progress;
• Time frames for action;
• Speedy resolution; and
• Courteous service.

WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD I PROVIDE TO THE TAXPAYER ADVOCATE?

• Your name, address, and social security number (or employer identification number),
• Your telephone number and hours you can be reached,
• Your previous attempts to solve the problem, and the office you contacted,
• The type of tax return and year(s) involved, and
• Description of the problem or hardship (if applicable).
  

If you want to authorize another person to discuss the matter or to receive information about your case, download Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative. You may also download Form 2848 Instructions. Or, you may use Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization if you want another person to receive information about your case but not represent you. If you are unable to download and print these documents, you can get them at most local IRS offices or by calling the IRS forms-only number, 1-800-829-3676

CONTACT THE TAXPAYER ADVOCATE SERVICE!

• Fax, write or call the Local Taxpayer Advocate office for your state.  [ View Local Taxpayer Advocates by State] 
•  Call the Taxpayer Advocate Service Case Intake Line to see if you are eligible: 1-877-777-4778 or TTY/TTD: 1-800-829-4059.
•  A list of Taxpayer Advocate Service offices can also be found in Publication 1546 (English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese), The Taxpayer Advocate Service of the IRS - How to Get Help With Unresolved Tax Problems.    

You can also file Form 911, Application for Taxpayer Assistance Order, with the Taxpayer Advocate Service, or request that an IRS employee complete Form 911 on your behalf.  Fax or mail the form to your Local Taxpayer Advocate.

Getting Help for Federal Taxes from the Federal Government

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