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Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger

Representing the 2nd District of Maryland

IRS: FAQ

Congressman Ruppersberger’s office may be able to help if you have an ongoing issue with the IRS that has not been resolved through normal processes or if you are about to suffer a significant hardship as a result of taxes. Please review the following Frequently Asked Questions before contacting the office, as they may contain the information you need. The IRS also maintains a webpage that offers detailed answers to a wide range of tax-related concerns.


How do I contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service?

Congressman Ruppersberger’s office works closely with the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an IRS to ensure that every taxpayer is treated fairly and that you know and understand your rights. The TAS offers free help to guide you through the process of resolving tax problems that you haven’t been able to solve on your own. TAS can help if you can’t resolve your problem with the IRS and:

  • Your problem is causing financial difficulties for you, your family, or your business.
  • You face (or your business is facing) an immediate threat of adverse action.
  • You’ve tried repeatedly to contact the IRS but no one has responded to you, or the IRS hasn’t responded by the date promised.

Residents of Congressman Ruppersberger’s district can reach their Taxpayer Advocate at:

31 Hopkins Plaza, Room 940
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-962-2082
410-962-9340 (fax)

You can also call the Taxpayer Advocate Service toll-free at 1-877-777-4778, or fill out Form 911, a Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance, and fax or mail it to the address above.

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 the check has not cleared your financial institution, you may choose to place a stop-payment on the original check and send another payment.

How long does it take to receive a tax refund?

Processing time for refund returns depends on the method used for filing. If you e-file and opt for direct deposit and have not received your refund within three 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 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. If you have requested direct deposit, the refund should take one week less time to be issued as opposed to getting a paper check.

Can I check on the status of my tax refund?

Refund information does not become available until it has been six weeks since you filed your tax return (three weeks if you filed electronically or through TeleFile). After this period, you can use this online tool or you can 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.

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 IRS will provide a copy of the check and a form to initiate a claim. The signature on the cancelled check will be reviewed before determining whether another refund can be issued.

Where can I learn more about my rights as a taxpayer?

You can find information on the IRS website about your rights as a taxpayer.

Still have questions? Contact our office!

If you would like Congressman Ruppersberger’s office to help you with a tax-related matter, please contact our office at 410-628-2701. You will need to submit a Privacy Act Release form, which you can generate here. The Privacy Act of 1974 prohibits any department or agency of the federal government from releasing any personal information about a person without their written permission. This form will enable me to initiate an inquiry on your behalf. For quicker processing, fax your completed form to 410-628-2708. You can also mail your form or submit it in person to 375 West Padonia Road, Suite 200, Timonium, MD, 21093.