What is the Taxpayer Advocate Service and when should I contact them?

The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS dedicated to ensuring every taxpayer is treated fairly. The National Taxpayer Advocate leads TAS and reports directly to Congress, independent of IRS management. Contact TAS when: you're experiencing economic harm or are about to suffer economic harm from IRS action (imminent levy on a bank account you need for rent), the IRS hasn't responded to your issue within 30 days, you've tried to resolve your issue through normal IRS channels and haven't gotten a resolution, you believe an IRS system or procedure isn't working as it should, or you're facing a hardship that the normal IRS process can't accommodate. How to contact TAS: call 1-877-777-4778, visit IRS.gov/Advocate, or fill out Form 911 (Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance). Each state has at least one local TAS office. TAS can: expedite stalled cases, resolve systemic issues, issue Taxpayer Assistance Orders (TAOs) directing the IRS to take or stop taking specific actions, and advocate for changes to IRS policies and procedures. TAS is completely free and does not replace the need for a tax professional for complex resolution, but it's an invaluable resource when the IRS process isn't working.