What is the taxpayer advocate service? (2024)

What is the taxpayer advocate service?

The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS. We're here to ensure that every taxpayer is treated fairly and that you know and understand your rights. Our advocates can help if you have tax problems that you can't resolve on your own.

Why did I get a letter from Taxpayer Advocate Service?

It may be about a specific issue on your federal tax return or account, or may tell you about changes to your account, ask you for more information, or request a payment.

Is it good to get a tax advocate?

It can work on your behalf if you have a lingering problem that is causing you financial difficulty or if you're facing the threat of immediate adverse action by the IRS. A TAS advocate may be able to mediate on your behalf with the federal tax agency.

Can a tax advocate help me get my refund?

TAS can assist with refund issues after the IRS published processing timeframe has passed. If that date has passed and you are experiencing a hardship, contact TAS office to see what options you have. COVID-19 has extended normal IRS processing timeframes.

What are the criteria for Taxpayer Advocate case?

The taxpayer is experiencing economic harm or is about to suffer economic harm. The taxpayer is facing an immediate threat of adverse action. The taxpayer will incur significant costs if relief is not granted (including fees for professional representation).

Is the Taxpayer Advocate Service part of the IRS?

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS and is your voice at the IRS.

Can I call the IRS if I have a tax advocate?

Call the Taxpayer Advocate's toll-free telephone number: 877-777-4778. Call the general IRS toll-free number (800-829-1040) and ask for Taxpayer Advocate assistance. Write or FAX – Addresses and FAX numbers for Taxpayer Advocate offices are listed in Publication 1546, The Taxpayer Advocate Service of the IRSPDF.

How much do taxpayer advocates make for the IRS?

The estimated total pay range for a Taxpayer Advocate at IRS is $57K–$81K per year, which includes base salary and additional pay. The average Taxpayer Advocate base salary at IRS is $68K per year. The average additional pay is $0 per year, which could include cash bonus, stock, commission, profit sharing or tips.

Can I file a hardship with the IRS to get my refund?

There is no specific form used to request an OBR. If you are experiencing a financial hardship and want to request an OBR, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 or the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) before you file your tax return with the IRS.

What happens if you report someone to the IRS?

The IRS Whistleblower Office pays monetary awards to eligible individuals whose information is used by the IRS. The award percentage depends on several factors, but generally falls between 15 and 30 percent of the proceeds collected and attributable to the whistleblower's information.

How fast do tax advocates work?

Advocates often respond within a few days. In the initial call, the advocate will set up a time frame for when he or she will follow up on the investigation of the client's request.

What happens if you owe the IRS more than $25000?

For individuals who establish a payment plan (installment agreement) online, balances over $25,000 must be paid by Direct Debit. See Long-term Payment Plan below for other payment options.

How do I ask the IRS for hardship?

How can I fix my tax problem?

Who is the current Taxpayer Advocate?

Lisa Thompson is our Taxpayers' Rights Advocate. Lisa and the Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office staff are independent of the agency's program staff. The Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office helps taxpayers who are unable to resolve a problem through normal channels.

Why do people hire lawyers when dealing with the IRS?

A tax attorney can help you deal with the IRS. Depending on your situation, they can help you negotiate an offer an compromise, remove penalties, set up payments, or protect your assets from collection actions. An attorney leverages their experience to get you the best outcome possible.

What are the three main goals of the Taxpayer Advocate Service?

The Taxpayer Advocate Service's (TAS) mission, as defined in Internal Revenue Code (IRC) § 7803(c), is to help taxpayers resolve problems with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), to identify administrative and legislative causes of those problems, and to make recommendations to the IRS and Congress on how to mitigate ...

What if I Cannot pay my federal taxes?

If you find that you cannot pay the full amount by the filing deadline, you should file your return and pay as much as you can by the due date. To see if you qualify for an installment payment plan, attach a Form 9465, “Installment Agreement Request,” to the front of your tax return.

What happens if I just don't file?

The penalty for not filing your return is typically 5% of the tax you owe for each month or partial month your return is late.

When should I call my Taxpayer Advocate?

If the IRS was supposed to respond to you or resolve your account by a specific date and they have not, you may qualify for TAS assistance. If an IRS system or procedure has failed to operate as intended, or failed to resolve your problem or dispute with the IRS, TAS may be able to help you.

How do I request help from Taxpayer Advocate?

Visit www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov or call 877-777-4778. Where to Send this Form: The quickest method is Fax. TAS has at least one office in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Can a tax attorney negotiate with IRS?

An experienced tax lawyer can negotiate with the tax authority in question to have these liens removed. As you know, both the IRS and FTB have the necessary tools to motivate taxpayers to get into compliance and remain there.

What if I owe more than I can pay IRS?

If you're not able to pay the tax you owe by your original filing due date, the balance is subject to interest and a monthly late payment penalty. There's also a penalty for failure to file a tax return, so you should file timely even if you can't pay your balance in full.

What happens if you owe more taxes than you can pay?

The IRS will bill you for the rest. You'll owe interest on the balance, and you might owe a late payment penalty. If you owe $50,000 or less in combined taxes, interest, and penalties, you can request an installment agreement. To do so, complete an online payment agreement.

How do I speak to someone at the IRS?

For individual tax returns, call 1-800-829-1040, 7 AM - 7 PM Monday through Friday local time. The wait time to speak with a representative may be long. This option works best for less complex questions. For questions about a business tax return, call 1-800-829-4933, 7 AM - 7 PM Monday through Friday local time.