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 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) representing a taxpayer contacted TAS for assistance. His client was extremely frustrated with trying to work with the IRS to resolve an issue with the processing of two of her tax returns. The returns had been identified as involving a possible identity theft situation and required the taxpayer to contact a special unit to verify her identity. But she was unable to reach an IRS employee after several attempts. Unfortunately, the taxpayer was also experiencing a financial and medical hardship at the time and needed the returns to be processed, so she could get account transcripts for her daughter’s college application. She turned to her CPA, who in turn, contacted TAS for help.

TAS determined what documentation was needed to verify her identity and once secured, validated the information with the IRS. As a result, the IRS completed processing of the taxpayer’s tax returns and the CPA was then able to secure the needed transcripts. In a letter to TAS, the CPA said he’d dealt with many IRS employees but wanted to point out that the TAS employee was “the most courteous, professional and helpful employee ever and a perfect gentleman.”

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: TAS eligibility – https://taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/about-us/learn-more-eligibility.