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.

TAS received an inquiry from a local congressional office for a taxpayer whose bank account had been levied by the IRS after substitute tax returns had been filed on her behalf by the IRS. The taxpayer had received insurance money deposited into her account to repair her roof. The IRS levied her bank account, taking the money she desperately needed to repair her roof. Because of the hardship and the taxpayer’s current financial status, a TAS case advocate was able to request the IRS return the money so the taxpayer could get her roof repaired. After relieving the immediate hardship for the taxpayer, TAS assisted her with filing corrected returns, resulting in the reverse of the substitute tax assessments and a refund. 

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