TAS Tip: How LITC Helps

The Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) program has a three-prong mission to represent, educate and advocate for taxpayers, and LITCs also conduct outreach to taxpayers who speak English as a second language. If you’re experiencing a tax dispute with the IRS, such as an audit or collection matter, an LITC may be able to assist you. Learn more about LITCs by visiting the Low Income Taxpaye...

Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Now Seeking Members

The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) is seeking volunteers in select states with the opening of its recruitment period on March 7, 2014. TAP is a Federal Advisory Committee, comprised of U.S. citizens who have volunteered to help identify taxpayer issues and recommend changes to improve IRS service. Apply by April 11, 2014, to become a member of this dynamic volunteer organization that is making...

NTA Discusses Identity Theft on NPR

NPR's David Greene sat down with National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA) Nina Olson on March 10 to discuss the IRS's 2014 "Dirty Dozen List." It's not a list of criminals -- it's the most common tax scams affecting U.S. taxpayers, and identity theft tops the list once again. ...

LITC Program Report

The Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) Program, administered by the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), has issued a 2014 Program Report. The report summarizes how clinics assist thousands of low income taxpayers through pro bono representation, education and advocacy efforts. Visit the LITC page on TAS’s Tax Toolkit to learn more....

TAS Tip: When to Come to TAS

If you’ve been working with the IRS and are facing financial difficulties, an immediate threat of adverse action or a lack of response from the IRS, TAS may be able to help you. Visit the Who We Are page on the Taxpayer Advocate Service’s (TAS) Tax Toolkit to learn if TAS can assist you. Even if you feel like there is nowhere to turn, the worst thing you can do is nothing at all....

Changes to the SBHCTC in 2014

Beginning in tax year 2014, there are noteworthy changes to the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit available to select small businesses and tax-exempt organizations. Visit the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit page on TAS’s Tax Toolkit for additional information. The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit Estimator can help determine if you’re eligible for the credit and, if...

Kiplinger Interview with NTA Nina Olson

In a recent interview with Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA) Nina Olson discussed how IRS underfunding has resulted in little assistance for taxpayers this filing season. To learn more, view excerpts of the interview....

National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson Testifies Before Congress

National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson is testifying before the House Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government today, Feb. 26, at 10 a.m. ET. Watch her testimony live or read a PDF of her testimony....

TAS Tip: Cancellation of Debt, New 2013 Top Case Issues

If you’ve lost your home to foreclosure, had credit card balances written off or your car repossessed, you need to know about the tax consequences of cancellation of debt income. Use Form 982 to explain to the IRS why your cancelled debt income isn’t taxable, or the IRS will treat it as taxable income. Learn more from National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson about this issue. Additio...

NTA Discusses IRS and Tax Issues on NPR's On Point

National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson will be a guest on NPR's On Point program this morning at 10 a.m. ET. Olson will join at approximately 10:20 a.m. to discuss IRS and tax-related issues. Tune in to hear her insights....