January 30, 2009, Newsletter Issue #100: Taxpayer Advocate Services

Tip of the Week

There are times when taxpayers have problems resolving issues with the IRS through no fault of their own. For instance, a rude and intolerant IRS agent making negotiations difficult on you would be a reason for contacting the Taxpayer Advocate Service. Or, maybe you have an IRS employee who you just cannot understand due to his or her thick accent. In an effort to help taxpayers when dealing with the IRS, the IRS has a service it provides titled ‘Taxpayer Advocate Service’. This service is independently operated, yet provided by, the IRS. This service may help you resolve a problem that could not be settled through normal IRS channels. More information about what this service is and how you can benefit are as follows:

Generally, the Taxpayer Advocate Service can help if, as a result of the administration of the tax laws, you:

Are suffering, or are about to suffer, a significant hardship; Are facing an immediate threat of adverse action (i.e. losing your home) Will incur significant cost (including fees for professional representation) Will suffer irreparable injury or long-term adverse impact; Have experienced a delay of more than 30 days to resolve the issue; or Have not received a response or resolution by the date promised. The Taxpayer Advocate Service does not have the legal authority to reverse technical or legal tax determinations. They also cannot replace the Appeals process. They are simply there to be a third party ear for when you feel wronged by the IRS tax law process.

You will be assigned an individual Case Advocate who will work with you throughout the process. Your Case Advocate will listen to your concerns without judgment. You can expect the advocate to provide you with:

An impartial and independent look at your problem; Quick resolution Courteous service Progress updates Action time frames Timely acknowledgment Name and phone number of Advocate assigned to your case Whenever you contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service be sure to have the following:

Your name, address, and social security number (or employer identification number), Your contact information such as telephone number and hours you can be reached, Your previous attempts to solve the problem, and the office you contacted, The type of tax return and year(s) involved, and Description of the problem or hardship Power of Attorney . If you want to give someone else the legal right to represent you in front of the Taxpayer Advocate Service, you will need to fill out the Power of Attorney form 2848.

About LifeTips

Now one of the top on-line publishers in the world, LifeTips offers tips to millions of monthly visitors. Our mission mission is to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Expert writers earn dough for what they know. And exclusive sponsors in each niche topic help us make-it-all happen.

Exclusive Sponsor

Are you having problems with the IRS? Stop the IRS from seizing your assets and get back on track today. Let DebtHelp.com find the right tax debt solution for you at http://www.debthelp.com/tax-help/