Stuck Waiting on the IRS? There Is Free Help From a Real Person

What is the Taxpayer Advocate Service?

The Taxpayer Advocate Service, or TAS, is an independent organization inside the IRS. Its job is to help people who are stuck with an IRS problem they cannot solve on their own.

Think of it as your voice at the IRS. An advocate works with you, helps move your case along, and makes sure you are treated fairly.

TAS is free. You never have to pay TAS or any middleman to get this help.

Who can get help from TAS?

TAS is meant for people whose IRS problem is causing real trouble. That can include a refund that is delayed far past normal, or a situation where the delay is causing a financial hardship.

It can also help when you have tried to resolve an issue through normal IRS channels and nothing is moving. If an IRS action is threatening your ability to pay for basics, that is exactly the kind of case TAS looks at.

You do not need a lawyer or a paid service to ask for help.

How does TAS actually help?

Once your case is accepted, you are assigned an advocate. That person stays with your case and acts as your point of contact.

Your advocate can look into where things are stuck, explain what is happening in plain language, and push to get your issue resolved.

TAS cannot promise a specific result or a specific date, and neither can anyone else. But it gives you a real person inside the IRS who is working on your behalf, at no cost.

Watch out for paid 'IRS help' offers

Because tax problems are stressful, some companies charge high fees to do things you can do for free. Be careful with anyone who guarantees a result or pressures you to pay up front.

The official path through TAS is free. Start there before you ever pay anyone.

This is a good season to get your paperwork in order. October brings Medicare Open Enrollment, the Social Security COLA announcement, and LIHEAP heating help, so if an IRS issue is holding up money you are owed, it helps to clear it now.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Taxpayer Advocate Service cost money?

No. TAS is a free service inside the IRS. You never need to pay TAS or any middleman to get help with your tax problem.

Can TAS guarantee I get my refund by a certain date?

No. TAS cannot promise a specific result or date, and you should be wary of anyone who does. What TAS can do is assign you an advocate who works your case and helps move it forward.

When should I contact TAS?

Reach out when you have an IRS problem that is stuck, such as a long refund delay, or when an IRS issue is causing you financial hardship and normal channels are not helping.

Do I need a lawyer or paid tax company first?

No. You can contact TAS yourself for free through the official website. There is no need to hire anyone to reach them.