13 Jun I need tax help and the IRS isn’t answering. What can I do?

Q. I received a notice from the IRS that there were issues with my tax return. I answered the questions by mail and received a return receipt, but I haven’t heard anything and it’s been like nine months. What can I do?
— Taxpayer

A. Great question.

I can be disconcerting to have outstanding tax issues or to be unsure of where things stand.

If you can’t get through by phone and your written responses haven’t been answered, consider trying the Taxpayer Advocate.

It’s an independent office that can help taxpayers who have a tax problem they haven’t been able to resolve on their own.

Among the taxpayers it will help are those facing financial hardship. It says to ask yourself these questions to see if you may qualify:

• Will you lose or not remain in your house, not be able to get food, pay your utilities, or keep your transportation to work?
• Will you incur significant costs such as fees for obtaining representation to help with relief?
• Will you suffer negative impact such as loss of income, credit report damage, or any damage that cannot be put back the way they were prior.

But your issue sounds more like what the agency calls an “IRS System Issue.”

To have an IRS System Issue:

• A delay must be more than 30-days after regular processing time to resolve a tax-related problem. These cases also occur when the IRS sends multiple interim responses (letters stating to give them more time) and takes no other actions to resolve your issues.
• If the IRS was supposed to respond to you or resolve your account by a specific date and they have not, you may qualify for TAS assistance.
• If an IRS system or procedure has failed to operate as intended, or failed to resolve your problem or dispute with the IRS, TAS may be able to help you.

Check to see if it can help, and if not, you may need to hire a tax preparer to represent you. Good luck.

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This story was originally published on June 13, 2023.

NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.