If you have tried everything to resolve a tax problem with the IRS and are still experiencing delays or are facing an economic burden or hardship due to the administration of the tax laws, you may qualify for the assistance of the Taxpayer Advocate Service. For example, if you are experiencing financial problems and will be evicted if you don't pay the rent, the Taxpayer Advocate Service may be able to assist you in obtaining your refund expeditiously. The Taxpayer Advocate Service also may be able to assist you if you have experienced a delay of more than 30 days to resolve a tax-related problem or have not received a response by the date promised. Individuals and businesses can qualify for assistance from the Taxpayer Advocate Service.

While Taxpayer Advocates cannot change the law or make a technical tax decision, they can clear up problems that resulted from previous contacts and ensure that your case is given a complete and impartial review.

You may gain quick access to the Taxpayer Advocate Service by calling their toll–free number 1–877–777–4778, TTY/TTD 1–800–829–4059. You can file Form 911 to request assistance or you can call or write to your local Taxpayer Advocate, whose address and phone number is listed in your local telephone directory and in Publication 1546 (PDF), The Taxpayer Advocate of the IRS—How to Get Help With Unresolved Tax Problems. If you write, please be sure to include your social security or employer ID number, your return address and a telephone number where you can be reached during the day. Include with your letter copies of any correspondence you have received from the IRS. In addition, please describe your problem, the tax year(s) involved and any previous attempts to solve the problem (including any office(s) you contacted).

To learn more about the Taxpayer Advocate Service, see www.irs.gov/advocate.