Excel Viewer Assisting taxpayers The IRS assists taxpayers in meeting their Federal tax return filing and payment obigations in a variety of ways, such as through its telephone helpline, via the Internet, at IRS walk-in sites, and through volunteer income tax return preparers. The tables below were originally published in the IRS Data Book, which is IRS Publication 55B, and are complied by various divisions throughout the IRS. The IRS's fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30. Taxpayer Assistance & Education Programs These tables are broken out by the type of assistance or program provided. They also include data on electronic assistance provided through the internet on the IRS Web site. Taxpayer Advocate Service: Post-Filing Assistance Program The Taxpayer Advocate Service, an indepentant organization within the IRS, assists taxpayers who experience economic hardships, who seek to resolve tax problems that have not been resolved through normal channels, or who believe that an IRS system is not functioning properly. Appeals Workload The Appeals mission is to resolve tax controversies, without litigation, on a basis that is fair and impartial to both the taxpayer and the Government. The Appeals Office considers cases that involve examination, collection, and penalty issues. Taxpayers Receiving Assistance Data are broken out by form type for individual income tax returns with a paid preparer signature. (Back to top) More resources: Issuing Refunds Enforcing Laws Assisting Taxpayers Managing the System IRS Tax Compliance Activities Taxpayer Compliance Research
