Celebrating Taxpayer Advocate Service and Low Income Taxpayer Clinic Collaboration 

At the heart of our organization’s mission lies a commitment to advocacy. Every year, we help thousands of individuals and tax professionals navigate the complex landscape of federal taxes with confidence and clarity. This story is just one of many examples of how the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) helps resolve taxpayer issues. All personal details have been removed to protect the privacy of the taxpayer.

“[Our] Low Income Taxpayer Clinic is profoundly grateful to our [local TAS office]…for their invaluable collaboration and partnership. In 2024, TAS assisted on [14 percent] of our cases, ensuring that low-income…taxpayers receive the justice and relief they deserve. Your dedication and expertise have been instrumental in resolving so many of the most complex and challenging tax controversy cases we encounter. Your commitment to fairness and your ability to navigate the intricacies of the IRS [have] made a huge impact in the lives of our clients and our community.

The cases we bring to TAS are often the most daunting and multifaceted, requiring a level of skill and persistence that TAS consistently delivers. For example, you have helped resolve situations where the IRS erroneously added an extra zero to a taxpayer’s income, creating massive and unjustified tax liabilities. You have also stepped in when the IRS mistakenly attributed someone else’s income to a taxpayer’s account, leading to erroneous liabilities. In a case where the IRS cashed a taxpayer’s check but failed to properly record the payment and then pursued enforced collection action for tax liabilities already paid, TAS [has been] our steadfast ally to help rectify these errors. Your involvement has been equally critical in addressing [tax-related] identity theft, tax preparer fraud, and other schemes that victimize unsuspecting taxpayers, as well as in recovering stolen stimulus checks and resolving tax refund delays [of] one or two years or more.

Our collaboration and success have reached unprecedented heights in recent years, thanks to the creation of dedicated TAS Advocates specifically assigned to work on LITC cases. This innovative approach has transformed the way we handle cases together, enabling us to operate more efficiently and effectively than ever. We have streamlined communication, reduced delays, and ensured that taxpayers receive the support they need.

This initiative has not only strengthened our partnership but has also highlighted the incredible work TAS does in [their home state]. [The local TAS office] has become a role model for best practices, demonstrating how collaboration between TAS and LITCs can achieve remarkable results. The success of this model has sparked interest across the country, with LITCs in other states reaching out to their local TAS offices asking to replicate the outstanding work being done here….

We take great pride in sharing our story and showcasing how this partnership has made a marked difference for low-income…taxpayers. Together, we are setting a new standard for advocacy and service, proving that when TAS and LITCs work hand in hand, we can achieve extraordinary outcomes…. We extend our deepest thanks to each of you for your unwavering support, tireless advocacy, and commitment to helping…taxpayers. Together, we are making a meaningful impact, one case at a time.”

Today, tomorrow, and beyond, we remain steadfast in our dedication to making a difference – one taxpayer, one success story at a time. Read more TAS success stories.

Learn more about whether TAS can help you: Can TAS help me with my tax issue?