Taxpayer Advocate Outlines Objectives

Washington (July 10, 2002) -- In an annual report to Congress, National Taxpayer Advocate Nina E. Olson outlined her objectives for the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) for the coming fiscal year.

"During 2003 the emphasis will be on advocacy in action to protect the independence and impartial perspective of TAS," said Olson. Additional objectives include strengthening the handling of advocacy proposals, monitoring the processing of TAS referred cases to the operating divisions, implementing a strategic training plan, refining the staffing of TAS offices and managing the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel.

To review the report, visit the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-utl/tas03obj.pdf . Taxpayers can call 1-877-777-4778 (toll-free) to request the assistance of a taxpayer advocate.

A taxpayer may qualify for the assistance of a taxpayer advocate if he or she is facing a significant hardship due to an action taken by the IRS, is on the second attempt to resolve a problem after going through all normal IRS channels, and has not been contacted by the date promised or has experienced a delay of more than 30 days past normal processing time to resolve an issue.

-- Electronic Accountant Newswire staff

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