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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 taxpayer sought TAS assistance in getting an amended return considered. The IRS initially denied the claim, stating it was not timely. The taxpayer appealed the claim denial, and the Appeals Officer confirmed the claim was timely and eligible for consideration. However, the IRS still did not process the claim. TAS issued a formal request for claim consideration, but the IRS failed to take the requested action. TAS then issued a Taxpayer Assistance Order (TAO) requiring the IRS to consider the claim. After receiving the TAO, the IRS processed the amended return and issued a refund to the taxpayer. TAS’s actions protected this taxpayer’s rights to finality and to pay no more than the correct amount of tax.
A TAO is one of the ways that TAS protects these and other taxpayer rights. A TAO is a powerful statutory tool to resolve taxpayer problems. If TAS determines that a taxpayer faces significant hardship and the facts and the law support relief, it may issue a TAO when the IRS refuses or otherwise fails to provide the relief that TAS requests to resolve a case. TAS can issue a TAO to order the IRS to take an action, cease a certain action, or refrain from taking a certain action. TAS, however, cannot use a TAO to make a substantive determination of any tax liability. TAS may also use a TAO to order the IRS to expedite consideration of a taxpayer’s case, reconsider its determination in a case, or elevate review of the case.
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?
The taxpayer Bill of Rights is grouped into 10 easy to understand categories outlining the taxpayer rights and protections embedded in the tax code.
It is also what guides the advocacy work we do for taxpayers.
