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The word audit causes nausea and cold chills in most Americans and any correspondence from the IRS brings images of doom and gloom. So what's an honest taxpayer to do when they have a legitimate IRS problem? The IRS has developed the Taxpayer Advocacy Service to help resolve any IRS problems.
The Taxpayer Advocacy Service is designed to help settle any disputes between the IRS and individuals or businesses. They also seek out common problems in the tax filing system and report them to the Taxpayer Advocate, currently Ms. Nina Olsen. Ms. Olsen then works with Congress to institute changes in legislature affecting the IRS' policies.
This free, confidential service is available to any taxpayer with an IRS problem that they feel has not been resolved fairly or in a timely manner. The goals of the TAS are to protect a taxpayer's rights and to reduce taxpayer burden, while improving the overall IRS system of tax reporting, collection and refunds.
When should you contact the TAS about an IRS problem? If you have not received a resolution to your IRS problem by the date promised by the IRS, the Taxpayer Advocacy Service can help. If you have been experiencing a problem with the IRS for more than thirty days without a concrete resolution, contact the TAS to assist you in resolving your IRS problem in a more timely fashion. If you are experiencing economic hardship or a significant monetary burden as a result of an IRS problem or collection action, the TAS can help you reduce your monthly payments to the IRS collection agency to a reasonable amount.
Each case is reviewed by a Taxpayer Advocacy Service representative and is given individual attention. A plan of action is tailored to resolve each unique case. The Taxpayer Advocacy Service is intended to be an impartial branch of the IRS. Each state has a TAS representative to assist local citizens with longstanding IRS problems.
Another option for disgruntled taxpayers is to seek out an independent law firm or tax resolution service. However, this option can be costly for an individual or small business and not every case will get guaranteed results. There are many tax services that attempt to scam consumers out of their hard earned money and they may even compound an already complex IRS problem by bumbling through the facts and misleading the taxpayer. If you choose to have a non-governmental agency represent you in resolving your IRS problem, use caution and check the business' references extensively before paying any fees.
An IRS problem should not take over your life. The government provides free help for taxpayers experiencing an IRS related problem and makes a fair attempt at improving the tax system through the Taxpayer Advocacy Service.
While the TAS is not a magic wand that will make all of your tax problems disappear overnight, they can help you sort through the confusing muddle of facts, numbers and rules that can accompany a longstanding, unresolved IRS problem.
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