Can TAS help me with my tax issue?

Generally, the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) helps taxpayers whose tax issues fall into one of these main categories. Select the topic below to learn more:

- - Financial HardshipFinancial Hardship (Economic burden) is when you are experiencing financial difficulty. These cases will fall under Reasons 1-4 (see below). You'll need to describe the hardship that is causing an economic burden, and you may be required to provide documentation to verify the hardship.
  - IRS System IssueIRS System Issue is when an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) process, system, Internal Revenue Code (IRC) or procedure has failed to operate properly. These cases will fall under Reasons 5-7 (see below). These cases may affect one or several taxpayers.
  - Fair & Equitable TreatmentTAS will help ensure that you receive fair and equitable treatment and that your rights as a taxpayer are protected.

Note: While the results of the TAS qualifier tool may indicate if TAS can help you with your tax issue, the final determination will be made by one of our Advocates after you Submit a Request for Assistance.

However, TAS is taking internal measures to help taxpayers who have experienced significant delays. We’ve made changes to the types of cases we can currently accept. Learn how TAS is assisting taxpayers in requesting help. Read the updated FAQs to help you determine if TAS can help you with your tax issue.

Financial Hardship

Financial Hardship is also known as Economic Burden. Economic Burden includes damage or loss of finances in any capacity.

Will you lose or not remain in your house, not be able to get food, pay your utilities, or keep your transportation to work?
Will you incur significant costs such as fees for obtaining professional representation to help with relief?
Will you suffer negative impact such as loss of income, credit report damage, or other irreparable financial related damage?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may qualify for assistance and TAS may be able to help you.

IRS System Issue

An IRS System Issue is also known as Systemic Burden which could include:

Do you have a delay more than 30-days after regular processing time to resolve an IRS tax-related problem? Has the IRS not taken action to resolve your tax related problem after sending multiple interim letters stating to give them more time?
Has the IRS not responded to you or not resolved your tax related problem by a specific date?
Has an IRS system or procedure failed to operate as intended, or failed to resolve your tax related problem or dispute with the IRS?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may qualify for assistance and TAS may be able to help you.

TAS Qualifier Tool

We’ve made changes to the types of cases we can currently accept. Learn how TAS is assisting taxpayers in requesting help.

TAS may be able to Help You

Find out if TAS can help you based on one of these reasons

Financial Hardship

IRS System Issue

Fair & Equitable Treatment

Explanation of the 9 Reasons TAS May Be Able You:

Read the latest updates on requesting assistance from TAS.

Reason 1-4

Financial Hardship issues are those involving a financial difficulty to a taxpayer, or an IRS action or inaction has caused or will cause negative financial consequences, or have a long-term adverse impact on a taxpayer.

Reason 1

You are experiencing financial hardship or you are about to suffer financial hardship.

TAS may be able to help you

Reason 2

You're facing an immediate threat of negative action.

TAS may be able to help you

Reason 3

You will face major costs if relief is not granted.

TAS may be able to help you

Reason 4

You will suffer irreparable injury or long-term impact if relief is not granted.

TAS may be able to help you

Reason 5 - 7

IRS System issues are those in which an IRS process, system, or procedure has failed to operate as intended, and as a result the IRS has failed to timely respond to or resolve a taxpayer issue.

Reason 5

You have experienced a delay of more than 30 days to resolve a tax account problem.

TAS may be able to help you

Reason 6

You have not received a response or resolution to the problem or inquiry by the date the IRS promised.

TAS may be able to help you

Reason 7

An IRS system or procedure has either failed to operate as intended, or failed to resolve your problem or dispute with the IRS.

TAS may be able to help you

Reason 8 - 9

TAS works to ensure you receive fair and equitable treatment and that your rights are protected.

Reason 8

TAS may help you if the manner in which the tax laws are being administered raise consideration of equity, or has or will impair your rights as a taxpayer.

TAS may be able to help you

Reason 9

The National Taxpayer Advocate determines if compelling public policy warrants assistance to an individual or group of taxpayers. Under this reason, TAS assistance is determined by the NTA and will generally be based on a unique set of circumstances warranting assistance to certain taxpayers.

TAS may be able to help you