Taxpayer Advocate Service Office – Boston, MA

Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS)

Independent Voice at the IRS

The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) dedicated to helping taxpayers who are experiencing financial difficulties, facing immediate threats of adverse action, or dealing with systemic issues that the IRS has not resolved. The TAS acts as a voice for the taxpayer, ensuring they are treated fairly and understand their rights under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Unlike standard IRS agents, TAS advocates work directly with individuals to identify the root cause of their tax problems and navigate the complex bureaucracy to find a solution. Their services are free, confidential, and tailored to those who have exhausted other avenues of resolution.

Assistance and Eligibility

Taxpayers generally qualify for TAS assistance if their tax problem is causing financial hardship (such as the inability to provide for basic necessities), if the IRS has failed to respond or resolve an issue by a promised date, or if a specific system or procedure has failed to operate as intended. The Boston office handles cases involving delayed refunds, audit reconsiderations, and collection appeals. To request assistance, taxpayers typically file Form 911 (Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance). The TAS also identifies large-scale administrative issues and reports them annually to Congress, recommending legislative changes to improve the tax system for everyone.

Location and Security

The Boston TAS office is located in the John F. Kennedy Federal Building at 15 Sudbury Street, right in the Government Center complex. As a high-security federal facility, all visitors must pass through airport-style security screening, including metal detectors and x-ray machines. Visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification (such as a driver's license or passport) to enter. Prohibited items include weapons, sharp objects, and pepper spray. The office is adjacent to the main IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, providing a centralized location for federal tax matters in New England.