Did you know that all taxpayers are entitled to free government tax help from the Taxpayer Advocate Service? It’s True! The Taxpayer Advocate Office is a government agency designed to help taxpayers communicate with the IRS. Usually, you can request help from the Taxpayer Advocate Office and collection action will cease while they help you resolve your issues with the IRS. If you are drowning in debt, or at the end of your rope, you can file an emergency form with the Taxpayer Advocate and they will review your case and help you, free of charge. It’s one of the best kept government secrets, and I will tell you how to take advantage of this valuable service!
The Taxpayer Advocate Office (TAS) is a separate government entity from the IRS whose main function is to help taxpayers resolve problems with the IRS. Even if you have significant tax debt, if you can prove hardship, such as severe illness or job loss, there is a very good chance that the Taxpayer Advocate office can help you.
And, the best part about this service is that it is completely free, and form is very easy to fill out, and only two pages long. First, you can go to the IRS website, which is
www.irs.gov, and search for “taxpayer advocate service”. The web address for information on the TAS is
www.irs.gov/advocate/.
From there, you can find all the phone numbers for your local taxpayer advocate office. There is at least one TAS office in every state, and you can call them toll-free and discuss your problem with them. You can also fill out FORM 911 (really, it’s called form 911), and submit the form to the TAS outlining your problem in writing. You can discuss your hardship, and someone from the Taxpayer Advocate will call you.
By filling out this form, you may stop collection action all together, and the Taxpayer Advocate will fight for you, and help you resolve your issue with the IRS. You should also contact the Taxpayer Advocate if you have been the victim of abuse or harassment by an IRS employee. They can help you file a complaint.
You call call them toll free at 1-877-777-4778, and discuss you case with them, get necessary forms, and ask questions. Remember, though, BE POLITE! The TAS is not the IRS, and they are here to help you. A little courtesy goes a long way, and it might get your problem solved for free.
