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Taxpayer
Advocacy Panel
SPEAK UP• Improve IRS• We Listen
By Andrea Price, Taxpayer Advocacy Panel member (Ohio)
The Truth Contributor
The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) is supported by and
aligned with the IRS but is not part of the IRS and are not
employees of the IRS. TAP is comprised of civic-minded
citizen volunteers from all walks of life
representing each state, D.C., Puerto Rico and an
international member (citizens living, working or doing
business abroad).
TAP’s mission is to listen to taxpayers, identify taxpayers’
issues and make suggestions for improving the IRS service
and customer satisfaction. We not only listen to taxpayers;
we try to do something about it.
Since my appointment as a new TAP member representing the
State of Ohio, I was invited to speak to the leadership of
The Ohio Society of CPAs in Columbus. At that meeting, I
presented information about TAP and recruitment. More
importantly, I listened to feedback as to how the IRS could
improve its services. I received two suggestions:
1)
The first suggestion was from two CPAs regarding the IRS
1099 (R) Form.
They informed me that their retired clients donate to
qualified charitable organizations [501(c) 3] through their
retirement fund company and not directly. However, there is
not an option to indicate the donation on the 1099 (R) Form.
As a result, the clients receive a letter from the IRS
stating their 1099 (R) Form does not match their 1040 Form.
2)
The second suggestion was from an Enrolled Agent who stated
that a Taxpayer Advocate Service office need to be located
in Columbus. She has many clients who cannot afford the time
and money for travel. There are only two offices in Ohio.
The offices are located in Cleveland and Cincinnati.
Both suggestions have been submitted, assigned an issue
number and are going through the screening process for
review.
So, what is the Taxpayer Advocacy Service?
The Taxpayer Advocacy Service (TAS) is an independent
organization within the IRS. They protect taxpayers’
rights by ensuring that all taxpayers are treated fairly and
that they know and understand their rights under the
Taxpayer Bill of Rights. TAS is the taxpayer’s voice at
the IRS. You must first try to resolve your problem with the
IRS. But if you can’t, then go to TAS. The service is
free.
TAS can help you if:
• Your problem is causing financial difficulties or about to
cause financial difficulties for your family or your
business
•
You face or your business is facing an immediate threat of
adverse action
•
You have tried repeatedly to contact the IRS, but no one has
responded, or the IRS has not responded by the date
promised.
•
You or your business will incur significant costs, if relief
is not granted
Here is an example. The taxpayer has a lien. He is trying to
refinance his mortgage, which could result in a lower
monthly payment and would allow him to pay his outstanding
tax liability. He has filed an amended tax return which
would eliminate the tax liability. The amended return has
been selected for examination, but no action has been taken.
Call TAS at 1-877-777-4738 or complete and submit FORM 911:
Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance. You
can also ask an IRS employee (in person or over the phone)
to complete the form for you.
Now, it is your turn.
Everyone has something to say about taxes and the IRS.
Please take a moment to give us your suggestions for TAP to
consider by contacting one of the following:
TAP Ohio member:
tapohioandreaprice@gmail.com
Toll-free at:1-888-912-1227
Website:
www.improveirs.org
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