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.
Christie Pinheiro lives in Northern California with her husband, children, and two spoiled cats. She is a published writer, and earned her advanced degree from San Jose State University. Her webiste is www.ChristyPinheiro.com.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Business Debt Relief: Surviving the Market
- Business Debt Management
- Business Debt Loan, Enhancing your Business
- Business Debt Consolidation: Saving your Business
- Business Debt Help: Counseling at your Feet
- Business Debt Consolidation Gets Businesses on Track
- Business Debt Help - Business Debt Help is Available
- Business Debt Management - Business Debt Management Restores Focus
Barack Obama's Stimulus Package
By: Abby Taylor | 09/12/2009President Obama revealed a plan at the start of this year to revive our financial system in the short term with a stimulus package which brought in an initial 75 billion dollars to the economy, mostly in the shape of tax breaks and cash aimed at seniors, house owners, working class families and those who are without jobs. The plan also contained 45 billion dollars in backup funds which could be released into the economy rapidly as required or in case the situation continued to become worse.
An Important Aspect to Cover - Maternity Health Insurance Coverage
By: ricky | 09/12/2009Once somebody hears the words maternity health insurance coverage then a thought comes in his mind that why pregnancy is being covered and when they should be covered. The answer comes to be that maternity coverage starts immediately when the woman receives it.
Filing Online Tax Return Really Makes Your Life Simple
By: Petter Smith | 09/12/2009It happens every year. Just when you get motivated to get rolling on your taxes, you realize you can’t find the return you filed last year.
IRS Pursues FBAR: Foreign Bank Account Reporting of U.S. Taxpayers
By: KevinThorn | 08/12/2009IRS Moves on to using civil Information Document Requests for the FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Reporting to seek out Undisclosed Offshore Accounts after the fallout from UBS AG and the IRS Offshore Settlement Initiative.
Assets Protection Cuts Losses During The Recession
By: Mark Sutherland | 08/12/2009Offshore asset protection is the best option to protect assets as it has got many advantages like straight protection, better privacy, reduction in tax, etc.
Your Appeal Rights When Fighting The IRS
By: junior will | 08/12/2009Are you in the middle of a disagreement with the IRS? One of the guaranteed rights for all taxpayers is the right to appeal. If you disagree with the IRS about the amount of your tax liability or about proposed collection actions, you have the right to ask the IRS Appeals Office to review your case.
The Tax Changes in the Senates Health Care Reform Bill
By: Roni Deutch | 07/12/2009A few weeks ago the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and key Democratic leaders announced their highly anticipated health care reform bill, which has already been voted to the debate floor. For those of you who do not remember, the House of Representatives unveiled their plan a few weeks ago. The Senate's bill is supposedly the result of a handful of different bills, and has been named the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” (PPACA).
7 Common Questions About IRS Offers in Compromise
By: Roni Deutch | 07/12/2009One of the IRS settlement programs that confuses taxpayers the most is the IRS Offer in Compromise (OIC). To help anyone looking for a better understanding about the IRS OIC program, please enjoy the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Offers in Compromise.
Protect yourself From Identity Theft!
By: Christie Pinheiro | 24/04/2007 | FinanceThe Federal Trade Commission has reported identity theft as the top consumer complaint, affecting millions of Americans each year. Seniors are appealing targets because they generally have higher credit lines, home equity, and more savings than young people.
Free Tax Help for the Taxpayer Advocate Service
By: Christie Pinheiro | 24/04/2007 | TaxesDid 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.
A Conservative Vaccine Schedule for Concerned Parents
By: Christie Pinheiro | 24/04/2007 | Alternative MedicineI decided to do some research on vaccines and the risks to my newborn. It was difficult to understand why my old vaccine record from 1974 had only seven vaccine stamps on it, but my pediatrician wanted to give my newborn over 40 vaccines over the course of the next four years.
Fight Cancer With your Spice Rack!
By: Christie Pinheiro | 24/04/2007 | Alternative MedicineNew reports suggest that the spice Turmeric (curcuma longa) may be a potent anti-cancer fighter. Recent studies have shown that turmeric, commonly used in curry dishes, is a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.