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The taxpayer's advocate with the IRS (know your rights)

Did you know there is an independent organization that will work to protect your rights when dealing with the IRS? Well now you do- it's the Taxpayer Advocate Service.


definition of advocate

Tax Payer Bill of Rights

When you have to interact with the IRS it's important to keep the Taxpayer bill of rights in mind. There are 10 rights that every taxpayer should know. Here is a brief list of them below but you may also go to the Taxpayer Advocate Service for more of an explanation.
  • right to be informed

  • right to quality service

  • the right to pay no more than the correct amount of tax

  • the right to challenge the IRS' position and be heard

  • the right to appeal and IRS' decision in an independent forum

  • the right to finality

  • the right to privacy

  • the right to confidentiality

  • the right to retain representation

  • the right to a fair and just tax system


What can the Taxpayer Advocate Service do for you?

Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is perfect for you if you have a problem with the IRS and it just isn't being resolved. TAS can help you deal with these difficult frustrating problems and ensure that your rights are protected. TAS is free however you have to qualify for them to help you.


Do you qualify? You can use this tool to find out if you qualify. Follow the tool link to read more about qualifying. But basically, you can qualify 3 ways:

  • financial hardship

  • IRS system error

  • fair & equitable treatment is in question


If you aren't sure whether you qualify you can always submit this form:

If you know of a problem that effects more than one taxpayer then you can submit that to the TAS as well.


How to Contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service-

The best way to contact the TAS is to contact the office in your area. Find your local office here:


This is the information for the office in Washington state:


915 2nd Ave. Stop W-405 Seattle, WA 98174

(206) 946-3707


On the Taxpayer Advocate Service website there is a message reminding taxpayers that there is a backlog of cases right now and you may have to wait for them. Unfortunately. that's the way things go sometimes.


Be persistent, be confident. Do not be overly anxious. Eventually someone will get back to you and help you with your issue.


Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need any assistance.



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