The Taxpayer Advocate Service has suspended all taxpayer assistance nationwide following the federal government shutdown. The Internal Revenue Service confirmed that TAS offices are closed and staff are unavailable to answer calls, process Form 911 requests, or hold appointments. Although TAS operations are currently paused, taxpayers must still file and pay their taxes on time, as all regular tax return deadlines remain in effect.
According to an IRS newsroom statement, all active TAS cases are paused until government funding is restored. Scheduled appointments have been canceled, and new requests for assistance will not be accepted during this closure. Phone and email lines remain inactive, leaving taxpayers without direct contact with their advocate until operations resume.
The IRS emphasized that tax filing and payment obligations remain in effect. Taxpayers must submit returns and make payments by the regular due dates to avoid penalties or interest. Those waiting for TAS help should document their situations carefully for future review.
Despite the suspension, several IRS tools continue functioning. Taxpayers can e-file returns, make payments online, and check refund status using the “Where’s My Refund” system. The locked padlock icon on IRS.gov confirms that these pages are secure for electronic transactions during the shutdown.
“The Taxpayer Advocate Service plays a critical role in helping taxpayers resolve issues,” the IRS said in its official statement. “We urge individuals to stay organized and continue meeting filing and payment requirements.”
Financial hardship, also known as economic burden, occurs when an IRS action or delay prevents taxpayers from paying essential expenses, such as housing, food, or utilities. It may also apply when IRS collection efforts could result in the loss of housing or other serious financial harm.
Taxpayers who meet these criteria can request TAS assistance once offices reopen. Form 911 allows individuals to describe their issue and request review by an advocate. Supporting documentation—such as bills, pay stubs, and medical statements—helps establish hardship and speeds up acceptance once advocates return.
During the shutdown, taxpayers should organize their records. Keeping copies of IRS letters, notices, and previous correspondence is vital. It is also important to note any missed payments or ongoing collection activity during this period.
The IRS recommends gathering financial records in advance so the documentation is ready for submission when TAS reopens. Preparation now may reduce case delays later.
When government funding resumes, TAS will review Form 911 submissions in the order received. Taxpayers can expect initial contact within about 30 days of reopening.
“We understand the hardship this closure causes,” said National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins. “We encourage taxpayers to prepare now so cases can be processed efficiently once we return.” Each accepted case will be handled by a dedicated advocate who will communicate by phone, letter, or encrypted email.
The Taxpayer Advocate Service operates independently within the IRS to assist taxpayers in resolving problems that cannot be resolved through normal IRS channels. TAS provides free assistance to those experiencing financial hardship, delays, or disputes related to their tax return. Its mission is to ensure fair treatment and to protect taxpayer rights.
Previous funding lapses have also necessitated temporary suspensions of TAS operations. Once appropriations are restored, the agency typically prioritizes cases based on submission date and urgency. According to IRS reports, TAS handles more than 200,000 cases annually, many of which involve payment disputes or delays in refunds.
Advocates coordinate directly with IRS departments to fix errors and reduce taxpayer stress once services resume.
Tax professionals say TAS support is essential for individuals who cannot afford private representation. “When TAS isn’t operating, taxpayers in distress have few options for resolving urgent issues,” said enrolled agent David Winston of the National Association of Enrolled Agents. “People should not ignore IRS notices and should make payments if they can, even without advocate support.”
Even while TAS remains closed, taxpayers must file returns and make payments as usual. The IRS continues to process electronic submissions, issue refunds, and accept online payments. However, mailed correspondence and disputes requiring manual review may experience delays. Each IRS page includes a “Page Last Reviewed or Updated” note indicating when information was most recently verified.
Taxpayers in need of immediate assistance can contact Low-Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) for free or low-cost representation. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs remain active, offering assistance with tax return preparation and filing. These services will guide until TAS operations resume.
Once Congress approves funding, the IRS will issue a notice confirming that TAS offices are open again. Taxpayers should verify any updates on official channels such as IRS.gov or the Taxpayer Advocate Service website. Secure pages display the locked padlock icon, and reopening announcements will include a “last reviewed or updated” date to confirm accuracy.
For more information and official updates about the shutdown’s impact on taxpayer services, refer to the following verified government pages. Each provides current status details, contact options, and instructions for submitting requests when TAS operations resume.
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