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If you are having tax problems and have not been able to resolve them with the IRS, the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) may be able to help you. And our service is free.

Note: The Taxpayer Advocate Service is currently experiencing a high volume of assistance requests due to tax return processing delays. As a result, you may experience lengthy wait times while trying to connect with an advocate or while waiting for a return call. We ask for your patience as it may take up to two weeks before we will be able to return your call or reply to your request. We apologize for these delays and are taking steps to reduce hold and response times to better serve you.

What cases can we help with?

TAS Releases Temporary Case Acceptance Criteria Updates

We understand there are many taxpayers awaiting help from the IRS with their 2023 and prior tax returns. The Taxpayer Advocate Service is taking steps to help address this return inventory backlog by making a temporary change in our case acceptance criteria to better serve taxpayers and businesses. Read our FAQ updates on these changes and how we are advocating for taxpayers who need help the most. TAS appreciates your patience during this challenging tax season, while case advocates work diligently to address your tax concerns.

What category do I qualify for?

Financial Hardship

Financial Hardship is also known as Economic Harm. Economic harm includes any damage or loss of finances in any capacity.

  • Will you lose or not remain in your house, not be able to get food, pay your utilities, or keep your transportation to work?
  • Will you incur significant costs such as fees for obtaining representation to help with relief?
  • Will you suffer negative impact such as loss of income, credit report damage, or any damage that cannot be put back the way they were prior.

If you answered yes to any of these questions, TAS may be able to help you.

IRS System Issue

An IRS System Issue is also known as Systemic Burden which could include:

  • A delay must be more than 30-days after regular processing time to resolve a tax-related problem. These cases also occur when the IRS sends multiple interim responses (letters stating to give them more time) and takes no other actions to resolve your issues.
  • 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.

If you answered yes to any of these questions, TAS may be able to help you.

Common Questions

What is the Taxpayer Advocate Service?

TAS is an independent organization within the IRS. Our job is to ensure that every taxpayer is treated fairly and that you know and understand your rights.

Find out more about TAS

What happens when I call the TAS toll-free number to open a case?

When you call the TAS toll-free number you will be connected with the Centralized Case Intake (CCI) team who is your first point of contact with the Taxpayer Advocate Service. They will guide you along the process to start your case and get the help you need.

Note: We understand there are many taxpayers awaiting help from the IRS with their 2023 and prior tax returns. The Taxpayer Advocate Service is taking steps to help address this return inventory backlog by making a temporary change in our case acceptance criteria to better serve taxpayers and businesses. Read our FAQ updates on these changes and how we are advocating for taxpayers who need help the most. TAS appreciates your patience during this challenging tax season, while case advocates work diligently to address your tax concerns.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is currently experiencing a high volume of assistance requests due to tax return processing delays. As a result, you may experience lengthy wait times while trying to connect with an advocate or while waiting for a return call. See if you qualify for our assistance. If you qualify, you can download and submit a Form 911.

How to start a case with TAS?

There are several ways to request a case in TAS. The easiest is to download the Form 911 and mail or fax it to your local office. You should hear back from your assigned case advocate regarding your submitted Form 911.

TAS also offers other ways to complete the Form 911. These options may not be as quick to process your request as TAS is experiencing a very high call volume at this time.

What happens if my case is accepted by TAS?

If your case is accepted, it will be assigned to a case advocate who will contact you.

Find your local TAS office.

How long does it take to resolve my tax issue?

Depending on the tax issue complexities, it could take a couple weeks to a couple months to resolve your tax issue. Your case advocate will do everything possible to help guide you on your path to resolve your issues. The case advocate will be in touch with you throughout the duration of your case with updates and timeframes on your issues.

Where’s my refund? Can you help get it to me faster?

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.


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Visit a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic

Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) assist low income individuals who have a tax dispute with the IRS, and provide education and outreach to individuals who speak English as a second language (ESL).

Find your local clinic

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Events

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Local Taxpayer Advocates will share tips to help you to avoid filing and processing delays so you can submit your taxes with confidence.

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Success Stories

Hear how the Taxpayer Advocate Service has helped taxpayers.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service has helped resolve tax issue with the IRS

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Do you have a suggestion for how to improve the IRS?

If there are particular provisions of the existing tax system that are especially burdensome or seem particularly unfair, or if you have seen an issue that affects a lot of taxpayers, let us know.

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