Every year the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) helps thousands of people with tax problems. This story is only one of many examples of how TAS helps resolve taxpayer issues. All personal details are removed to protect the privacy of the taxpayer.

A taxpayer entered into a Direct Debit Installment Agreement (DDIA) to pay her federal tax liability. She made her final payment outside of the DDIA process because the regularly scheduled payment would have overpaid the remaining amount owed and she was concerned that the overpayment may not be refunded quickly. She also worried her refund on a recently filed federal tax return would be delayed.  

One of the terms of the taxpayer’s DDIA was that she contact the IRS to stop the debit from her bank account at least 15 days before the next scheduled payment. The taxpayer could not reach the IRS on the phone and sought TAS assistance. The case advocate contacted the IRS immediately to request that the direct debit be stopped, and the Local Taxpayer Advocate notified the assigned manager of the time-sensitive nature of the taxpayer’s issue. TAS’s intervention prevented the payment from debiting from the taxpayer’s account and fully resolved the taxpayer’s issue.  

When working with the Taxpayer Advocate Service, each individual or business taxpayer is assigned to an advocate who listens to the problem and helps the taxpayer understand what needs to be done to resolve their tax issue. TAS advocates will do everything they can to help taxpayers and work with them every step of the way. Occasionally we feature stories of taxpayers and advocates who work together to resolve complex tax issues. Read more TAS success stories.

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