TAS: A Taxpayers Best Friend
The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS that serves to help taxpayers in their time of need. And by independent, I mean TAS is not regulated or governed by the IRS, so it has the freedom and latitude to help any way it can. So if the IRS has got you down (and out), you might want to look TAS up, these guys and gals assist thousands of folks each and every year.
What
TAS was born in 1979 with the purpose of being the primary advocate inside the IRS for taxpayers. If it decides there’s a problem with the way the IRS is enforcing its laws, TAS has the ability to issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order, which delays or suspends an action (think Lien or Levy). Now that’s an organization with some real oomph.
In addition to balancing out the IRS, TAS also has other responsibilities. The first is to identify recurring problems that taxpayers seem to be having. So if a bunch of folks start complaining about the length of due process (like it’s taking a month of Sundays), TAS will step in and see what the story is. TAS also has the ability to propose changes within the IRS. If something isn’t working right, it has the power to fix it.
Who It Helps
Now TAS can and will help you if you meet one of the following conditions. If you are about to go through serious economic hardship (because of the way IRS is handling your case), TAS will step in. If the IRS is taking more than 30 days to fix your tax problems or if the IRS keeps missing deadlines, it will help. If you’re incurring some pretty serious costs (due to attorney fees) and getting nowhere fast, TAS will lend a hand. And lastly, if you will suffer some debilitating economic harm because of an IRS decision, TAS will come to your aid.
How It Helps
Now TAS is a free service and completely confidential. It’s designed to help individuals and businesses with any specific tax problems they may have. TAS advocates know the tax code (better than any accountant), and they know how to guide you through rocky terrain. Your advocate will not only be a shoulder to cry on, but will also help you to understand what you can do to fix your issues. Yep, these guys are full service.
Another nice feature of TAS is that you can find at least one in each state. Right now the organization is 2,000 strong with 1,400 dedicated to cases. So generally, there are plenty of advocates to go around. Once you are assigned one, you will then get his contact information, and ultimately that same advocate will stay with you throughout the entire process. After you get your impartial review and progress updates, the rep will also give you tips on how to avoid any future run-ins with the IRS.
Form 911
There are a few different ways to reach out if you need a TAS advocate. The easiest is to fill out Form 911, called the Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance. It’s ultra easy and can be filled out in a few minutes.
Start Section 1 by filling in your name and social security number. On Line 3 enter your address, while on 4 and 5 enter a fax number and email address.
On Line 6 enter the type of form you use to file your return. On Line 7 enter the tax year you’re referring to and on Line 8 enter the name of the person a TAS rep should contact. Line 9a is for your phone number and 10 is designated for the best time you can be reached. If you need a special type of communication like a Spanish-speaking contact, enter that request on Line 11.
On Line 12a completely break down your tax problem. Be very specific, clear, and thorough. If you need more space, just add an additional sheet. On Line 12b, let TAS know what kind of help you’re looking for. Is it a Taxpayer Assistance Order or just some advice? Whatever relief you’re seeking, be clear and add paper if necessary.
All that’s left is to sign and date. If you are using an accountant (and you want them to be the one to deal with TAS), have them fill out Section 2. Section 3 is to be completed by the IRS, so leave that part blank.
TAS and You
The Taxpayer Advocate Service is one of the best-kept secrets of the IRS. Its purpose is pure, its processes are simple, and its results have been called phenomenal. Whether you’re a terminally ill patient, a stolen identity case, or a taxpayer who simply wants to keep your home, TAS can help you.
