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 who had a tax liability contacted TAS for help. The taxpayer had an installment agreement (IA) and had made all payments on time for several years. The taxpayer requested help getting a portion of the current year refund issued rather than have it applied to the tax debt through an offset bypass refund (OBR). The taxpayer needed the funds to pay travel expenses to seek treatment for an illness. With the help of the case advocate, the taxpayer provided documentation of her diagnosis, information about the treatment center, proof of her medical appointment, and documentation of the travel expenses. She asked TAS for assistance in requesting an OBR to cover her necessary travel expenses, a fraction of the full refund. TAS successfully advocated to the IRS for an OBR for the taxpayer so she could seek medical treatment while still being able to pay her necessary living expenses. The case advocate stated it was truly a privilege to successfully advocate for this taxpayer.

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 TAS features stories of taxpayers and advocates who work together to resolve complex tax issues. Read more TAS success stories.

Learn more about common issues with tax refunds.