| If you're having some trouble with the IRS, the easiest | | | | create problems for taxpayers. |
| way to get out of it is to seek help from the Taxpayer | | | | If you are currently having trouble with the IRS, you |
| Advocate Service. Is it part of the IRS? Yes, it is an | | | | can file 911, Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service |
| independent group within the IRS. | | | | Assistance, or request an IRS employee to complete |
| This group within the IRS works with taxpayers who | | | | the said request on your behalf. You can then fax or |
| are having serious trouble with the IRS. To qualify as | | | | mail the form to your local tax advocate office. |
| "serious trouble" the tax issue must be a long-standing | | | | You could qualify for Taxpayer Advocate Service |
| and has not been resolved through normal channels. | | | | assistance if you are experiencing the following: |
| You can also go to the Tax Advocate Service if you | | | | * Incurring huge costs associated with resolving the tax |
| feel that an IRS system or procedure is not working | | | | issue, fees for professional representation. |
| as well as it should. | | | | * It's been over a month since your tax issue came up. |
| In each state there is at least one tax payer advocate. | | | | * You have not received a reply or resolution on your |
| So, while you may hate the IRS, at least there is one | | | | issue on the date promised by the IRS. |
| group within that office that's acts like its big brother. | | | | The good thing about this internal Taxpayer Advocate |
| This group protects the interests of taxpayers in two | | | | group is that it is free. Any interaction with your |
| ways: | | | | taxpayer is considered confidential. And taxpayer |
| (a) Ensuring that your serious tax problems are fairly | | | | advocates are part of the IRS, they would know to |
| and promptly handled, and | | | | tackle your tax situation. |
| (b) Identifying tax issues that worsen the burden or | | | | |