IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service: When and How to Get IRS Help
The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers resolve problems the IRS has not addressed through normal channels. It is free, and for qualifying cases involving significant hardship, it can cut through IRS delays that might otherwise take months.
What Is the Taxpayer Advocate Service?
TAS is an independent organization within the IRS established by Congress to ensure that taxpayers are treated fairly. It assists individuals and businesses who are experiencing economic harm, who are facing IRS delays that have not been resolved through normal channels, or whose cases involve systemic IRS issues. TAS assistance is free.
When TAS Can Help
TAS can intervene when: you are experiencing significant financial hardship due to an IRS action (levy, lien); the IRS has not responded to you within established timeframes; the IRS made a mistake on your account that has not been corrected; or you face a threat of adverse action by a deadline that normal IRS procedures cannot meet. TAS does not help with routine tax questions or cases that are still within normal IRS processing timeframes.
How to Request TAS Assistance
Submit Form 911 (Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance) or call TAS directly at 1-877-777-4778. Your request is assigned to a Local Taxpayer Advocate (LTA) in your geographic area. TAS can issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order (TAO) requiring the IRS to take or cease an action.
What TAS Cannot Do
TAS cannot override IRS tax law, create payment plans the IRS would not otherwise approve, or act as a substitute for professional tax representation. It is best used in specific situations — IRS errors, processing delays, or imminent levy situations where the normal IRS phone lines have been unresponsive.
TAS vs. Hiring a Tax Professional
TAS is a government resource — it advocates for taxpayers within IRS rules but cannot negotiate creatively or strategically the way a licensed tax professional can. For complex resolution cases (OIC, CDP hearings, audit defense), professional representation is generally more effective. TAS is best used as a complementary resource when IRS processes break down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Taxpayer Advocate Service really free?
Yes. TAS assistance is completely free. TAS is funded by Congress and operates independently within the IRS.
Can TAS stop an IRS levy?
Yes. If TAS determines you are experiencing significant hardship from an IRS levy, it can issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order (TAO) requiring the IRS to suspend the levy.
How long does it take TAS to respond?
TAS typically contacts you within 1–3 business days of submitting Form 911. Resolution timelines depend on the complexity of the issue.
Can I use TAS and a tax professional at the same time?
Yes. TAS and professional representation are not mutually exclusive. A tax professional can work alongside TAS, particularly when IRS systems have delayed action on a resolution already in progress.
What is a Taxpayer Assistance Order?
A TAO is a formal order issued by TAS requiring the IRS to take or refrain from a specific action. The IRS must comply with a TAO unless the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner overrides it.
Does every state have a TAS office?
Yes. Every state has at least one Local Taxpayer Advocate office. Los Angeles has multiple TAS offices given the high volume of taxpayers in the area.
What can change the answer
Notice type, issue date, filing history, account status, deadlines, and current agency procedures can change the available next step. Bring the complete notice and account records to a qualified review.
Tax rules and collection procedures can change and depend on the account. Federal claims should be checked against current IRS guidance; California claims should be checked against the California Franchise Tax Board. See our editorial methodology for sourcing and update standards.
Results depend on your facts and on IRS or state decisions. Calculus Tax, Inc. is not affiliated with the IRS or any government agency.
When professional help may make sense
Calculus Tax, Inc. can review notices, organize financial information, explain available paths, and communicate with the IRS or California agencies when representation is appropriate. The right next step depends on your facts, deadlines, filing history, and ability to pay.
We are based in Burbank and serve clients in Los Angeles and throughout Los Angeles County. See our local service-area pages for location-specific information.
Ready to Resolve Your Tax Problem?
Calculus Tax, Inc. helps individuals and businesses understand IRS debt, audits, notices, and collection options. We explain the process, review the available paths, and help coordinate next steps.