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 issues. All personal details are removed to protect the privacy of the taxpayer.

A taxpayer came to TAS because he owed taxes on his 2011 original tax return, but had filed amended returns for tax years 2011- 2013, which the IRS had never processed. The case advocate secured copies of the amended returns that claimed refunds for all three tax years. The taxpayer had a large amount of employee business expenses for all three tax periods. The case advocate reviewed the return and identified errors on his Form 2106, Employee Business Expenses. The case advocate discussed these errors at length with the taxpayer and agreed to explain them to his tax return preparer, so the preparer could complete corrected amended returns. The case advocate sent the updated amended returns, along with supporting documentation, including spreadsheets, bank statements, and a copy of the employer’s reimbursement policy to the IRS and requested the returns be processed. The IRS examined and accepted the information, resulting in significant refunds for the three-year period.

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 TAS features stories of taxpayers and advocates who work together to resolve complex tax issues. Read more TAS success stories.

Learn about TAS eligibility.

Source: taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov