IRS Tax Problems: Do They Really Help?Many billions of dollars are spent every year in getting tax lawyers and professionals prepare tax returns for their clients. However the task at hand is often as simple as filling out a one page form. But the average taxpayer feels unsure about tax related matters and therefore opts for professional help. To make itself more accessible to the general public the IRS has set up a number of different programs and services. The aim is to help the tax payer find practical solutions to tax related problems. Most IRS offices offer help with information about tax forms, returns and technical details. In addition, a number of different kinds of tax help programs have been set up. Manned by volunteers, these are located in IRS offices or in community based locations. The Volunteer Income Tax Program helps tax payers understand income tax forms and fill them out appropriately. This program is especially for those who cannot afford to hire professional help, those who are not conversant with English, disabled and elderly people and others with special needs. There is also a special program for senior citizens. Called the Tax Counselling for the Elderly Program, it is for those above the age of 60 years. The program is especially helpful for those who have limited mobility and are restricted to the home. The IRS implements this program with the help of non-profit organizations. If the need arises, volunteers even reach out to the elderly in their homes. The Community Outreach Tax Education Program on the other hand, works towards educating society at large about tax related issues. It conducts seminars on a wide variety of relevant topics and guides tax payers in filling up tax return forms. Another useful program is the Taxpayer Advocate Service. When tax problems are not resolved through the usual channels, taxpayers can avail of this service which is run as an independent system. Every state has its own Taxpayer Advocates, who report to the National Taxpayer Advocate. They are not connected to the local IRS office. The Taxpayer Advocate can represent the taxpayer within the IRS itself and protect his or her rights in an appropriate manner. The program also helps to identify issues affecting the tax payer and make suggestions regarding legislative changes, if needed. Alongside the above programs, the IRS also runs a toll free help line that tax payers may call with their queries and tax problems. Called the IRS Problem Resolution Hotline it operates around the clock and offers help ranging from assistance in filling up forms to finding solutions for more serious difficulties. However this helpline is not to be considered a substitute for the regular channels of the IRS. |