Taxpayer Advocacy – Comprehensive Support for Taxpayers

Taxpayer advocacy plays a critical role in ensuring that taxpayers receive fair treatment from the IRS, especially when facing financial hardship, tax disputes, or unresolved issues. This guide provides detailed information on taxpayer advocacy services, including how to access help, protect your rights, and resolve tax problems.

What is Taxpayer Advocacy?

Taxpayer advocacy provides assistance to individuals and businesses experiencing difficulties with the IRS. The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS dedicated to:

  • Resolving tax disputes and delays.
  • Assisting taxpayers facing financial hardship due to IRS actions.
  • Ensuring fair treatment and protecting taxpayer rights.
  • TAS also advocates for systemic changes within the IRS to improve taxpayer experiences.
  • Learn More About TAS

Key Responsibilities of Taxpayer Advocacy:

  • Helping taxpayers navigate complex IRS procedures.
  • Preventing unnecessary tax penalties and liens.
  • Offering guidance on audits, levies, and garnishments.
  • Providing direct communication with IRS caseworkers.
  • Assisting with identity theft cases, where taxpayers’ information has been compromised.

When Should You Seek Taxpayer Advocacy?:

  • Severe Financial Hardship: IRS actions like wage garnishments, bank levies, or property liens causing significant financial distress.
  • Unresolved Tax Issues: Long delays in receiving IRS responses or correcting errors.
  • Incorrect Tax Assessments: Errors in IRS calculations or tax assessments.
  • Multiple IRS Notices: Repeated tax notices without clear resolution.
  • Denied Tax Relief Applications: Assistance if applications for installment agreements, OICs, or penalty abatements are unfairly denied.

How to Contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service:

  • Step 1: Complete IRS Form 911 – Request for Taxpayer Advocate Assistance.
    • https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f911.pdf
  • Step 2: Submit the form online, by fax, or by mail to your local TAS office.
  • Step 3: Include supporting documents such as IRS notices, tax returns, and financial statements.
  • Step 4: Follow up with your assigned advocate regularly for updates.

Taxpayer Rights Protected by Advocacy:

  • The Right to Be Informed
  • The Right to Quality Service
  • The Right to Pay No More Than the Correct Amount
  • The Right to Challenge the IRS’s Position
  • The Right to Appeal IRS Decisions
  • The Right to Privacy and Confidentiality
  • Taxpayer Bill of Rights

Common Tax Issues Addressed by Advocacy:

  • Audits and Examination Support
  • Wage Garnishment and Levy Relief
  • Innocent Spouse Relief
  • Business Tax Debt Resolution
  • Identity Theft and Unauthorized Tax Returns

Success Stories and TAS Achievements:

  • TAS has helped thousands of taxpayers prevent home foreclosures due to tax debt.
  • Assisting small businesses in negotiating affordable payment plans.
  • Advocating for the removal of unfair penalties and interest.

Additional Resources and Tools: