FL-2012-06, May 10, 2012 FORT LAUDERDALE — Taxpayers in the Tampa area who qualify for assistance from the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) can get face-to-face help through a new virtual program piloted by the IRS and TAS. The program called Virtual Service Delivery uses two-way video conferencing to help taxpayers. Those who qualify for TAS help can go to the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, 3848 West Columbus Drive, Tampa, for a video interaction session with a Taxpayer Advocate in Jacksonville, the nearest IRS office where TAS staff is physically located. In a typical interaction, the taxpayer goes into a private conference room containing a high-definition video conference monitor. The taxpayer and the TAS employee will be able to see and hear each other to discuss the taxpayer's issues, as if they were sitting across a desk from each other. The Taxpayer Advocate Service helps taxpayers whose problems with the IRS are causing financial difficulties, who have not been able to resolve their problems with the IRS, or who believe an IRS system or procedure isn’t working as it should. TAS may be able to help if: Your problem with the IRS is causing financial difficulties for you, your family, or your business. You face (or your business is facing) immediate threat of adverse action. You have tried repeatedly to contact the IRS, but no one has responded or has not responded by the date promised. The video link between Tampa and Jacksonville is part of a pilot program at 15 locations that could expand to more sites in the future. Visit Virtual Tax Help for more information about the other IRS virtual sites. Taxpayers who want more information about TAS’s Virtual Service Delivery can contact the Jacksonville Local Taxpayer Advocate at (904) 665-1000.
