International Taxpayer Online Problem Solving Day
Free online one-to-one help resolving IRS account issues for US taxpayers living outside the US in Asia Pacific.
Date and time
Location
Online
About this event
- 3 hours
The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is conducting this free Problem Solving Day for US taxpayers residing outside the US in Europe and the Americas. Please be sure to summarize your issue when you sign up, otherwise it's difficult to assist you.
Issues this session is able to assist with includes:
- Experiencing a financial hardship or having financial difficulties because of a tax problem;
- Trying, but haven’t been able to resolve an IRS tax problem with the IRS; or
- Believing an IRS system or procedure isn’t working.
Do I need to attend the whole 3 hour session?
No, you will be emailed your appointment time 24 hours beforehand to be told what time to show up in the 3 hour block.
What is it like attending a Problem Solving Day?
You'll enter the main Zoom room, which acts as a virtual waiting room, be asked to check-in, and then be placed into a Zoom breakout room with a case advocate to then ask your question and receive assistance. On leaving, you'll be asked to complete the exit survey to provide feedback on your experience.
How is this session free?
The session is funded by the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), an office within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). TAS consists of approximately 1,800 employees. About 1,400 of these are Case Advocates, who personally assist taxpayers in resolving their problems with the IRS. It's purpose is to look at ways to serve taxpayers who need help with IRS tax matters. Offering face-to-face services through Problem Solving Day events within communities, especially outside the United States where there’s not an IRS presence, helps serve taxpayers and protect their taxpayer rights.
The session is hosted by Rebecca Lammers, the volunteer International Member of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP). TAP is a federal advisory committee to the IRS, making recommendations to improve customer service and communications. Due to overwhelming demand and severe lack of service, these sessions were established to better service the international community, which has been serverely neglected for so long. To learn more read the blog here: https://medium.com/@tapinternational
Testimonials of past attendees
"Experience was helpful and raised issues I was unaware of previously."
"The experience was very positive. I wouldn't change a thing. All perfect even if the wait was long."
"I just wanted to say thank you! Your team’s help and access to a tax advocate that actually engaged (I already had one that never did a thing for me) solved an 16 month old mistake that IRS made that had been creating stressful tax issues for me. Thank you for all you do Americans abroad!"
"It was brilliant."
"I am so happy to receive help from an advocate."
Frequently asked questions
Anyone who has to file a US tax return with the IRS. This includes Americans living outside the US, green card holders, and non-US citizens who have a US tax obligation.
You will be matched with a case advocate from the Taxpayer Advocate Service to talk about your personal situation (NOT the IRS). You will be placed in a "breakout" room on Zoom so you can speak one-to-one with the case advocate in a private and confidential session.
No, you will be emailed your appointment time 24 hours beforehand to be told what time to show up in the 3 hour block.
Yes, we are aiming to minimize wait time to less than 20 minutes. This is why you will be emailed an appointment time in advance to minimize your wait time.
Yes, you can show up starting at the start time, you might be seen earlier if a case advocate becomes available. We will aim for everyone to be seen as soon as possible.
Common issues are resolving an outstanding IRS refund, an IRS communication problem, getting help filling out a specific tax form, help with resolving a penalty from the IRS, and more. Go to this link to determine eligibility https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/can-tas-help-me-with-my-tax-issue/
It is free for anyone to attend, regardless of income level, age, or citizenship. By signing up, you make a commitment to attend. No shows prevent those on the waiting list from being seen. If for any reason you can no longer attend, please give at least 24 hours notice.
Please join the waiting list. There is a lot of turnover with spots at the moment so chances are good that a waitlist spot will open up, especially last minute and as we get closer to the event.
TAS is always looking at ways to serve taxpayers who need help with IRS tax matters. Offering face-to-face services through Problem Solving Day events within communities, especially in areas where there’s not an IRS presence, helps serve taxpayers and protect their taxpayer rights.