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Published:   |   Last Updated: February 8, 2024

TAS Advocates for Taxpayer Claiming Disabled Brother

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 Success Stories

 

TAS advocated for a taxpayer who did not get his 2013 refund as expected. Originally, the IRS held his refund while they audited his return for his filing status, dependent exemptions, and refundable tax credits. All of his child-related tax benefits were disallowed. He requested an audit reconsideration with the IRS and sent supporting documentation. The taxpayer thought the issue had been resolved, but was not and ultimately his account was referred for enforced collection. He contacted TAS for assistance when he received an eviction notice from his landlord. TAS requested the IRS reconsider the taxpayer’s information submitted for his dependents.

The taxpayer claimed dependent exemptions for a disabled brother, whom he supported and cared for, and his disabled brother’s son. The IRS continued to disallow the claimed benefits because their records did not show that his brother was disabled. TAS worked with the taxpayer to secure documentation to show that the brother and nephew lived with him and that his brother was, indeed, disabled. Ultimately, the IRS accepted the documentation TAS provided and allowed the exemptions and related credits. The taxpayer received his full refund.

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.