Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

TAS is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers resolve problems with the IRS, identifies problems for taxpayers, and make administrative and legislative recommendations to resolve systemic issues. Since 1996, TAS has helped over 5.8 million taxpayers. Our services are free and confidential.

➡️ Find out more on our About Us page.

There are several ways to request a case in TAS. The easiest is to download Form 911, Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance, and email, mail or fax it to your local TAS office. Your case will be assigned to a case advocate, who will reach out to you within 30 days,  regarding your submitted Form 911.

• You can postal mail, fax or email the Form 911;
  • Mail to:
    Taxpayer Advocate Service
    7490 Kentucky Dr.,
    Stop MS 11-G
    Florence, KY 41042
  • Fax to:
    (855) 828-2723
  • Email to:
  • TAS.Form.911.Request.for.Assistance@irs.gov

TAS offers other ways to complete Form 911; however, these options may require longer processing times as TAS is experiencing very high call volume at this time.

• If you need additional assistance contact your local TAS office.
  ➡️ Visit our Get Help page for more options to resolve your tax issues.

When you call the TAS toll-free number, 1-877-777-4778, you will be connected with an advocate who is your first point of contact with the Taxpayer Advocate Service. They will guide you along the process to start your case and get the help you need. 

Can the Taxpayer Advocate Service Help?

You may qualify if:

• You’re facing financial hardship;
• The IRS is taking or threatening collection action; or
• You’ve tried and failed to resolve the issue through normal IRS channels
  ➡️ Use our TAS Eligibility Tool to see if you qualify.

If your case is accepted, it will be assigned to a case advocate who will contact you. Depending on the tax issue and complexities, it could take a couple weeks to a couple months to resolve your tax issue. Your case advocate will do everything possible to help guide you on your path to resolve your tax issue. The case advocate will be in touch with you throughout the duration of your case with updates and timeframes.

➡️If you have not heard from your case advocate contact your local TAS office to get more information.

TAS ensures the IRS respects your ten fundamental rights, including:

• The Right to Be Informed;
• The Right to Challenge the IRS’s Position; and
• The Right to a Fair and Just Tax System.

➡️ Learn more about all of your rights, on our Taxpayer Bill of Rights page.

Yes, if you are experiencing delays, errors, or can’t get a resolution through standard IRS channels, TAS may be able to assist.

➡️ Visit the Tax Credits Get Help Pages.

TAS can assist with refund issues after the IRS published processing timeframe has passed.

➡️If that date has passed and you are experiencing a hardship, contact your local TAS office to see what options you have.

Search by state on our Contact Us page.

➡️ Or call us at 1-877-777-4778

Depending on the tax issue complexities, it could take a couple weeks to a couple months to resolve your tax issue. Your case advocate will do everything possible to help guide you on your path to resolve your issue. The case advocate will be in touch with you throughout the duration of your case with updates and timeframes on your issue.

➡️If you have not heard from your case advocate contact your local TAS office to get more information.

To obtain a case status update for constituents, contact the constituents’ assigned case advocate directly.

Search by state on our Contact Us page.

➡️ Or call us at 1-877-777-4778

Yes. TAS offers resources and publications in multiple languages and can provide documents in large print, Braille, and other accessible formats upon request.

➡️ Click the “Language” tab at the top right of the website.

Financial Hardship is also known as Economic Harm. Economic harm includes any 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 representation to help with relief?
• Will you suffer negative impact such as loss of income, credit report damage, or any damage that cannot be put back the way they were prior.

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

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

• A delay must be more than 30-days after regular processing time to resolve a tax-related problem. These cases also occur when the IRS sends multiple interim responses (letters stating to give them more time) and takes no other actions to resolve your issues.
• If the IRS was supposed to respond to you or resolve your account by a specific date and they have not, you may qualify for TAS assistance.
• If an IRS system or procedure has failed to operate as intended, or failed to resolve your problem or dispute with the IRS, TAS may be able to help you.

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

The IRS will send a notice or a letter for any number of reasons. It may be about a specific issue on your federal tax return or account, or may tell you about changes to your account, ask you for more information, or request a payment. 

You can handle most of this correspondence without calling or visiting an IRS office if you follow the instructions in the document. If you still need help, start by searching for your notice to get an overview of the notice, and visit our interactive taxpayer roadmap to see where in the tax system you are and what to expect next.