Positive changes are underway at the IRS. As a result of new tax legislation, the Problem Resolution Program has been reorganized to better serve your needs. Now called the Taxpayer Advocate Service, it has an increased staff, more independence from the IRS, and the authority to help solve difficult tax problems.

Here's how it works: If you have a tax problem, you should first try to resolve it through the usual IRS channels. If your attempt to resolve the tax problem is unsuccessful, you should then contact your local Taxpayer Advocate. You will be assigned to a personal advocate who will listen and address your concerns quickly and fairly.

While the Taxpayer Advocate Service cannot change the tax laws, they can cut through red tape and can often help with delayed refunds, unanswered inquiries and incorrect billing notices. Your Taxpayer Advocate will ensure that your rights as a taxpayer are protected. The Taxpayer Advocate is also your contact if you face significant hardship unless IRS relief is granted.

When you contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service you should be prepared to provide: your name, address and social security number; your telephone number and hours you can be reached; the type of tax return and which year(s) involved; a detailed description of the problem; information about your previous attempts to solve the problem, and the IRS office you contacted; and a description of the hardship you are facing (if applicable).

To contact your local Taxpayer Advocate, call 1-800-777-4778.

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