On YOUR Side at the IRS: the Taxpayer Advocate
If you’re experiencing tax-related difficulties and can’t resolve them with the IRS, you may find the Taxpayer Advocate Service’s (TAS) free service very helpful. The TAS is an independent organization within the IRS specifically charged to represent taxpayers.Along with the IRS, the TAS is understaffed and underfunded so don’t expect it to accept frivolous issues. The agents will help you if:
- Your problems cause financial difficulty for you, your family or your business;
- You, your business or your organization face an immediate threat of adverse action from the IRS;
- The IRS doesn’t respond to you after repeated attempts to contact its agents; or
- The IRS promised a response by a specific date but didn’t follow through.
The TAS assures you it will protect your rights as it ensures the IRS treats all taxpayers fairly. In fact, to strengthen its fairness efforts, the IRS adopted a Taxpayer Bill of Rights, including:
- The right to be informed
- The right to quality service
- The right to pay no more than the correct amount of tax
- The right to challenge the IRS’ position and be heard
- The right to appeal an IRS decision in an independent forum
- The right to finality
- The right to privacy
- The right to confidentiality
- The right to retain representation
- The right to a fair and just tax system
Solving a tax issue yourself often provides a quicker answer than an agent. Try the website first, and if you can’t achieve a suitable resolution, contact your local taxpayer advocate for help. TAS maintains offices in all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico, to assist you.If the TAS can’t help with your problem, or if you need tax planning or consulting services, contact the tax accountant team at Patrick & Robinson CPAs: Office@CPAsite.com or (904) 396-5400.
