I need help with a tax problem. Whom can I contact?

If you have an ongoing issue with the IRS that has not been resolved through normal processes or you have suffered or are about to suffer a significant hardship as a result of the application of the tax laws, contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an IRS program that provides an independent system to ensure that tax problems that have not been resolved through normal channels are promptly and fairly handled. Each state has at least one local Taxpayer Advocate, who is independent of the local IRS office and reports directly to the National Taxpayer Advocate. The Taxpayer Advocate also identifies issues that cause problems for taxpayers and, where necessary, brings those issues to the attention of IRS management.

Bucks County residents should contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service at (215) 861-1304.

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I'm concerned because my check payment to the IRS has not been cashed yet. What should I do?

You can call (800) 829-1040 and ask an IRS representative if the payment has been credited to your account. If it has not and the check has not cleared your financial institution, you may choose to place a stop-payment on the original check and send another payment.

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How long does it take to receive a refund?

Processing time for refund returns depends on the method used for filing. If you e-file opting for direct deposit and have not received your refund within 3 weeks after filing your return (eight weeks if you filed a paper return opting for a paper check), you can check your refund on the IRS website or by calling the Refund Hotline at (800) 829-1954. Be sure to have available a copy of your current tax return because you will need to know your social security number shown on your return, the filing status and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund. If you have requested direct deposit, the refund should take one week less time to be issued as opposed to getting a paper check.

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How can I check on the status of my refund?

Refund information does not become available until it has been 6 weeks since you filed your tax return (3 weeks if you filed electronically or through TeleFile). After waiting the appropriate number of weeks, the fastest, easiest way to find out about your current year refund is to log onto www.IRS.gov. Click on "Where's My Refund" then go to "Get My Refund Status" You can also call the Refund Hotline at (800) 829-1954. Be sure to have a copy of your current tax return available because you will need to know your social security number shown on your return, the filing status and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund. The IRS updates refund information every seven days.

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I lost my refund check. How do I get a new one?

Call the IRS at (800) 829-1954. If your refund check has not been cashed, the IRS can normally provide a replacement within six to eight weeks. If your refund check has been cashed, the Financial Management Service (FMS) will provide a copy of the check and a Form 3911 Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund, to initiate a claim. The signature on the cancelled check will be reviewed before determining whether another refund can be issued.

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Is it possible to find out if a federal tax refund check has been cashed?

If you need to know whether a federal tax refund check that was issued to you has been cashed, you can call (800) 829-1954 and request Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund. If you are inquiring about a check that was issued to someone other than yourself, the IRS is not allowed under the Privacy Act of 1974 to disclose any information.

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Can I get the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?

You may be able to take this credit for 2007 if you did not have a qualifying child and you earned less than $12,590 ($14,590 for married filing jointly). You may also be able to take this credit if you had one qualifying child and you earned less than $33,241 ($35,241 for married filing jointly), or you had more than one qualifying child and you earned less than $37,783 ($39,783 for married filing jointly). Other rules apply. For further details on the EITC, please refer to:

Tax Topic 601, IRS Publication 596

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What are my rights, as a taxpayer?

Please refer to the IRS website for more information about this important topic.

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Where can I go to get more information about my tax problem?

The IRS maintains a webpage that offers detailed answers to a wide range of tax-related concerns.

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Can I expedite the 501(c)(3) application process for my non-profit organization?

Once your non-profit organization has completed and submitted form 1023 (application for recognition of exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code) the application is sent to IRS Exempt Organization Determinations. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of requests for tax exempt status the standard review time is in excess of six months. An application can only be expedited if a request is made in writing containing a compelling reason for processing the application ahead of others. Circumstances generally warranting expedited processing include:

• A grant to the applicant is pending and the failure to secure the grant may have an adverse impact on the organization’s ability to continue operations.
• The purpose of the newly created organization is to provide disaster relief to victims of emergencies such as flood and hurricane.
• There have been undue delays in issuing a letter caused by problems within the IRS

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I received a letter from the IRS notifying me of their intent to levy on my assets in response to the balance on my account. What can I do?

Call the contact name and phone number listed in the upper right of the front page of the letter you received. Even if you can not settle your account immediately make contact with this individual as soon as possible and work with them to reach a payment schedule or alternative agreement that is acceptable.

If you are unable to resolve the issue with this initial contact, proceed to contacting the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 215-861-1304.

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