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Published: June 16, 2017   |   Last Updated: September 23, 2020

TAS helps taxpayer receive timely refund claim

Every year, the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) helps thousands of people with tax problems. This story is only one of many examples of how TAS helps resolve taxpayer’s tax issues. All personal details are removed to protect the taxpayer’s privacy.

 

A taxpayer came to Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) in April 2016 for help getting a refund from his 2012 tax return that was filed late. Although the return was filed late, it was nonetheless a timely claim for refund. The case was assigned to a TAS case advocate who reviewed the taxpayer’s account information and was able to confirm that the taxpayer faxed his 2012 original tax return to the IRS in April 2014. However, the tax return was never processed, even though the account history indicated that it was being processed. TAS provided a copy of the 2012 return and asked the IRS to process the return using the April 2014 received date, which would allow a refund of the prepaid credits reported on the return.

The IRS employee stated he could only stamp the return using the current received date. TAS advocated for the taxpayer using the April 2014 date, based on the account history notes, which established that the IRS had received the return, but failed to process it timely. After several contacts with multiple departments, the case advocate was successful in advocating for the taxpayer and got the taxpayer’s return processed with the correct date. The taxpayer received a refund of the prepaid credits plus interest.

If you need information on a specific tax topic, visit the TAS Get Help resource. It offers a step-by step guide on what you can do to settle some IRS issues on your own, what your taxpayer rights are and other options available to help you get resolution. Most issues can be resolved directly by working with the IRS. However, if you have tried, but are still unable to resolve an IRS issue, learn more about whether TAS can help you: TAS eligibility.

When working with the Taxpayer Advocate Service, each individual or business taxpayer is assigned to an advocate who listens to the problem and helps the taxpayer understand what needs to be done to resolve their tax issue. TAS advocates will do everything they can to help taxpayers and work with them every step of the way. Occasionally we feature stories of taxpayers and advocates who work together to resolve complex tax issues. Read more TAS success stories.