How to get a tax advocate?

Dealing with the IRS can feel like a never-ending maze.

A tax advocate is someone who helps you navigate that maze. 

Think of them as your personal IRS troubleshooter—they step in when you’re stuck with tax issues like delays, errors, or financial stress.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is a free program designed to help people just like you when normal IRS channels fail. 

But let’s be real—it’s not as simple as snapping your fingers and getting help. 

There are specific steps, forms, and even waiting times you need to handle.

That’s why I’ve put this guide together for you.

We’ll cover:

• When you should think about getting a tax advocate.
• What are the exact steps to contact TAS and get assistance?
• The pros and cons of using TAS versus private tax resolution services.

And stick around because I’ll also show you an alternative that can speed things up and give you personalized help if TAS isn’t the right fit for you.

Without wasting any time, let’s dive in!

What Is a Tax Advocate?

Let me explain this in simple words. A tax advocate is like your personal guide for dealing with IRS problems. If you’ve ever felt stuck because the IRS didn’t respond or made a mistake, a tax advocate can step in and help you out.

Here’s what they do:

• They listen to your problem and figure out what went wrong with the IRS.
• They talk to the IRS on your behalf to sort out issues like delays or errors in your tax return.
• They make sure your financial hardship isn’t ignored, especially if it’s causing you serious stress.

Now, you might have heard about the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS). This is a free program run by the IRS itself. 

TAS is there to assist taxpayers like you when regular IRS processes fail. It’s independent, which means they’ll focus on your problem without taking sides.

But here’s the catch: TAS has a lot of people asking for help, so you might need to wait. This makes it important to act quickly if you think you need their support.

So, if you’re dealing with IRS delays, errors, or financial stress, getting a tax advocate might be the smartest move you can make. 

In the next section, we’ll talk about when you should absolutely get one. Keep reading!

Try: Free Tax Relief Assessment Tool

When Do You Need a Tax Advocate?

Let’s talk about when you should seriously consider getting a tax advocate. If dealing with the IRS feels like hitting a brick wall, you need someone to step in and help.

Here’s when you must think about getting a tax advocate:

• Your money is at risk. If IRS delays or mistakes are causing financial problems—like you can’t pay rent, buy groceries, or keep your business running—it’s time to act.
• The IRS isn’t responding. Maybe you’ve been waiting for your refund for months, or they keep sending the same “we need more time” letters. If you’re stuck in a loop, you need help.
• You’re facing legal trouble. If the IRS is threatening to garnish your wages, seize your property, or hit you with penalties, don’t wait. You can’t handle this alone.

Here are some examples to make it clearer:

• Your tax return has been “processing” for over six months, and you can’t get a straight answer from the IRS.
• You got a notice from the IRS saying you owe money, but the amount is clearly wrong.
• You’re dealing with penalties because of an error the IRS made, and they won’t fix it.

If any of this sounds familiar, don’t brush it off. A tax advocate can step in and help you untangle these problems.

Now, let’s move on and talk about how you can actually get a tax advocate to assist you. It’s simpler than you think, and I’ll guide you through the steps.

How to Get a Tax Advocate Through the IRS?

If you’ve decided that a tax advocate is what you need, let me show you how to get one. The process is pretty straightforward, but you must follow it carefully to avoid delays.

Here’s exactly what you need to do:

1. Find your local TAS office.
   • Look up the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) office nearest to you. You can find this information on the IRS website. It’s important to contact the right office based on where you live.
2. Fill out Form 911.
   • This is the “Request for Taxpayer Advocate Assistance” form. Download it online or ask for a copy from the TAS office. Make sure you fill out all the sections—don’t leave anything blank. Missing details can slow things down.
3. Submit the form.
   • Once the form is complete, you can send it by fax or mail to your local TAS office. Be sure to double-check the address or fax number. Submitting to the wrong office will delay your case.
4. Wait for a response.
   • TAS usually contacts you within a week of receiving your form. If you don’t hear back, follow up with the same office where you submitted the form. Don’t wait too long to check in if things feel stuck.

A Few Tips to Make It Smoother:

• Double-check your contact information on the form. The TAS needs to reach you quickly.
• Be clear and specific about your issue. Vague descriptions can lead to delays.
• Keep copies of everything—your completed Form 911, any IRS letters, and proof of submission.

What to Expect

TAS might take a week or more to respond, depending on how busy they are. If there’s a delay, stay persistent and keep following up. This isn’t a fast process, but it’s worth the effort if you’re facing serious tax problems.

Now, let’s talk about the pros and cons of using the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service. This will help you decide if TAS is the right option for you, or if you should consider other alternatives.

Pros and Cons of Using the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service

Let’s weigh the good and the not-so-good about using the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS). This will help you decide if it’s the right choice for your situation.

The Pros:

• It’s free. You don’t need to pay for TAS. This is a big deal if you’re already struggling financially.
• They focus on IRS-related issues. TAS is there to help with things like delays, errors, or disputes with the IRS. If you’re stuck and the regular process isn’t working, they can step in.
• They stand up for you. TAS ensures the IRS treats you fairly and respects your taxpayer rights.

The Cons:

• It’s not fast. TAS handles a lot of requests, so you might face long wait times before your issue gets attention.
• It’s limited. TAS only deals with IRS-related problems. If your issue involves broader tax planning or legal matters, they can’t help.
• No legal or tax prep advice. TAS won’t help you prepare your tax return or offer legal guidance.

If your issue fits their scope and you can wait, TAS is a great option. But if your problem needs urgent attention or goes beyond the IRS, you might need to look elsewhere.

Now, let’s move on to the alternatives. I’ll show you other options, including professional services, that might be a better fit for your situation.

Try: Free Tax Relief Assessment Tool

Alternative Options for Tax Advocacy

If TAS isn’t the right fit for you—maybe it’s too slow or doesn’t cover everything you need—you should know about other options.

Let’s talk about professional tax advocacy services and why they might work better for you.

Professional Tax Advocacy Services

You don’t have to rely on TAS alone. There are private firms, tax consultants, and companies like Remedy Tax Solutions that can help. These services are ideal when you need:

• Speed. Unlike TAS, private services usually move faster because they handle fewer cases.
• More than just IRS issues. Private firms can help with broader tax concerns like overall planning, audits, or even legal support.
• Personalized solutions. They take the time to understand your specific situation, offering tailored advice instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.

Try: Free Tax Relief Assessment Tool

Why Remedy Tax Solutions?

Let me be clear—you must consider Remedy if you’re feeling stuck and overwhelmed with tax issues. Here’s why:

• Faster help. While TAS might take weeks just to get back to you, Remedy acts quickly to resolve your case.
• Customized support. Every tax problem is different. Remedy doesn’t just follow standard procedures—they look at your unique situation and create a plan that works for you.
• IRS expertise and beyond. They handle IRS disputes, yes, but they also guide you on broader tax concerns, making sure you avoid future problems.

If you want a smooth process without long waits, private services like Remedy can be a smart choice. But ultimately, it depends on how quickly you need help and how complex your issue is.

Next, let’s wrap this up by looking at the bigger picture and how you can move forward with confidence.

Conclusion: How to Get a Tax Advocate?

Getting a tax advocate is all about finding the right support when IRS problems get too overwhelming to handle alone.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is there to help with issues like financial hardships, delays, or IRS errors. You can start by filling out Form 911, submitting it to your local TAS office, and following up to ensure your case gets attention.

But TAS isn’t for everyone. It works best for specific IRS-related problems, and the wait times can be frustrating.

If you’re looking for quicker help or dealing with more complex tax issues, private services like Remedy Tax Solutions might be your answer. They’re faster, more personalized, and handle a wider range of tax concerns.

At the end of the day, the choice depends on how urgent your issue is and what kind of help you need. Just make sure you take action sooner rather than later.

If you’re ready to explore personalized support, check out Remedy Tax Solutions today. It might just be the solution you’ve been waiting for!

FAQs About Tax Advocates

Let’s clear up some common questions about tax advocates so you know exactly what to expect.

Can anyone get a tax advocate?

Not everyone qualifies, and you need to meet certain conditions. You must have a real problem with the IRS that’s causing financial trouble, delays, or other hardships. For example:

• If the IRS hasn’t responded to you for over 30 days.
• If you’re facing serious financial issues, like struggling to pay bills because of a tax problem.
• If the IRS has taken action that puts you at risk, like seizing your wages or property.

If your situation doesn’t fall into one of these categories, the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) won’t take your case. You’ll need to try other options.

How long does it take to resolve an issue through TAS?

Honestly, it can take a while. TAS handles many cases, so expect some delays. Here’s what usually happens:

• After you submit Form 911, it might take up to two weeks for someone to contact you.
• If your case is complex, it could take months to fully resolve.

If your issue is urgent, TAS might speed things up, but don’t count on quick results for every case.

What’s the difference between TAS and private tax resolution services?

This is a key question. Here’s how the two compare:

TAS (Taxpayer Advocate Service):

• Free service from the IRS.
• Focused only on IRS-related problems.
• Limited to cases that meet strict eligibility rules.

Private Tax Resolution Services (like Remedy Tax Solutions):

• You pay for the service, but they work on a wider range of issues.
• Offer personalized guidance, even for problems outside IRS eligibility.
• Faster response times since they don’t deal with high volumes like TAS.

If you qualify for TAS, it’s a great option because it’s free. But if your issue is more complicated or you want quicker, more personalized help, private services might be worth it.