Before I get into my post regarding the Taxpayer Advocate Service, I want to caution you not to think of this as a replacement for paid representation. You will, without a doubt, be better served by a paid professional when dealing with the IRS. That being said, not everyone has the resources to pay, and for them, this is a valuable service. Just never forget that taxpayer advocates are IRS employees who will not always take care of your interests the way a paid representative will. With that out of the way,  let’s get on with the show. The Taxpayer Advocate Service, or TAS, is an independent organization within the IRS whose employees assist taxpayers who are experiencing economic harm, who need help resolving tax problems that haven’t been resolved through normal channels, or who believe that an IRS system isn’t working as it should. For example, if you’re experiencing financial problems and could soon be evicted if you don’t pay the rent, the TAS may be able to assist you in obtaining your refund quicker or they may be able to assist you if you have experienced a delay of more than 30 days to resolve a tax-related problem. The service can help taxpayers whose problems are causing financial difficulty or significant cost, including the cost of the professional representation of attorneys or CPA’s. The people at TAS know the IRS and how to navigate it. They’ll listen to your problem, help you understand what needs to be done to resolve it, and stay with you every step of the way until your problems are resolved. The service has at least one local taxpayer advocate in each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. service is free, confidential, tailored to meet your needs, and available for businesses and individuals.

This is your voice at the IRS. You can call them toll-free at 1-877-ASK-TAS1. You can also visit TAS online at www.IRS.gov/advocate.

The IRS has put together a publication which details your rights under the TAS program. Click here to download the pdf version from the IRS.  To take part in the TAS program, you will eventually need to fill out the appropriately numbered Form 911. Download it from the IRS to see what kind if information they’ll want from you.

I hope this information has been helpful.  If you’ve had an experience using TAS post a comment here so others hear it from you directly.  Also feel free to contact me directly using the “Contact Jack” button at the top of the page.

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