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’s tax issues. All personal details are removed to protect the taxpayer’s privacy.
TAS advocated for a taxpayer who was audited by the IRS for two consecutive tax years. For numerous years, the taxpayer claimed Head of Household filing status and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) with her dependent adult grandson who meets the definition of “permanent and totally disabled.” The audits for each year were conducted by two different IRS offices. The first audit was closed without any change, allowing the taxpayer’s filing status and tax credits claimed on the return as filed.
The second office conducting the latter year audit proposed disallowing the tax credits and deductions relating to the grandson. The IRS asserted that the taxpayer’s documentation did not adequately substantiate the residency and support criteria necessary to claim the child as a dependent and the EITC.
TAS successfully advocated for this taxpayer explaining to the IRS why the provided documentation was adequate. The IRS agreed and sent a corrected notice to taxpayer allowing the EITC and the dependency exemption for the taxpayer’s grandson on the latter year return.
If you need information on a specific tax topic, visit the TAS Get Help resource. It offers a step-by step guide on what you can do to settle some IRS issues on your own, what your taxpayer rights are and other options available to help you get resolution. Most issues can be resolved directly by working with the IRS. However, if you have tried, but are still unable to resolve an IRS issue, learn more about whether TAS can help you: TAS eligibility.
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.
