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IRS Customer Service Standards At the IRS, our goal is to continually improve the quality of our services. To achieve that goal, we have developed customer service standards in the following areas. ●Access to information. ●Accuracy. ●Prompt refunds. ●Canceling penalties. ●Resolving problems. ●Simpler forms. ●Easier filing and payment options. If you would like information about the IRS standards and a report of our accomplishments, see Pub. 2183. Suggestions for Improving the IRS The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) is a diverse group of citizen volunteers who listen to taxpayers, identify taxpayers’ issues, and make suggestions for improving IRS service and customer satisfaction. The panel is Taxpayer Advocacy Panel demographically and geographically diverse, with at least one member from each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. To learn more about the TAP, go to www.improveirs.org or call 1-888-912-1227 toll-free. Help With Unresolved Tax Issues The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS whose employees assist taxpayers who are experiencing economic harm, who are seeking help in resolving problems with the IRS, or who believe that an IRS system or procedure is not working as it should. Here are seven things every taxpayer should know about TAS: Taxpayer Advocate Service 7. You can learn about your rights and responsibilities as a taxpayer by visiting our online tax toolkit at www.taxtoolkit.irs.gov. 1. TAS is your voice at the IRS. 2. Our service is free, confidential, and tailored to meet your needs. 3. You may be eligible for TAS help if you have tried to resolve your tax problem through normal IRS channels and have gotten nowhere, or you believe an IRS procedure just is not working as it should. 4. TAS helps taxpayers whose problems are causing financial difficulty or significant cost, including the cost of professional representation. This includes businesses as well as individuals. 5. TAS employees know the IRS and how to navigate it. We will listen to your problem, help you understand what needs to be done to resolve it, and stay with you every step of the way until your problem is resolved. 6. TAS has at least one local taxpayer advocate in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. You can call your local advocate, whose number is in your phone book, in Publication 1546, Taxpayer Advocate Service—Your Voice at the IRS, and on our website at www.irs.gov/advocate. You can also call our toll-free line at 1-877-777-4778 or TTY/TDD 1-800-829-4059. Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) The Low Income Taxpayer Clinic program serves individuals who have a problem with the IRS and whose income is below a certain level. LITCs are independent from the IRS. Most LITCs can provide representation before the IRS or in court on audits, tax collection disputes, and other issues for free or for a small fee. If an individual’s native language is not English, some clinics can provide information in certain other languages about taxpayer rights and responsibilities. For more information, see Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List. This publication is available at www.irs.gov, by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676), or at your local IRS office. - 4 -