At the heart of our organization’s mission lies a commitment to advocacy. Every year, we help thousands of individuals and tax professionals navigate the complex landscape of federal taxes with confidence and clarity. This story is just one of many examples of how the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) helps resolve taxpayer issues. All personal details have been removed to protect the privacy of the taxpayer.

A certified public accountant (CPA) filed an amended Form 1041, U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts, on behalf of their client. The executor of the estate was unable to distribute the estate’s assets to the beneficiaries and close the estate until the amended return was accepted by the IRS and processed. After waiting more than 20 weeks, the CPA requested a transcript to determine the status of the claim. Since the CPA’s Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, hadn’t been processed, the IRS rejected his request. That’s when the CPA contacted TAS for assistance.

TAS secured a copy of the Form 2848 and made sure it was processed, protecting the estate’s right to retain representation. Next, TAS secured documentation to support the refund claim and instructed the IRS to consider the claim. With TAS involved, the amended return was finally processed and the overpayment of more than $11,000 was issued, plus about $1,500 in taxable interest.

TAS’s actions protected the estate’s rights to finality and to a fair and just tax system.

The executor was so pleased with the outcome that she praised TAS in a tweet: “I tell you what – they were wonderful….Maybe I just got lucky. But wow!”

Today, tomorrow, and beyond, we remain steadfast in our dedication to making a difference – one taxpayer, one success story at a time. Read more TAS success stories.

Learn more about whether TAS can help you: Can TAS help me with my tax issue?