IRS Form 911: What Americans Abroad Should Know
Stuck on hold with the IRS from overseas? Waiting months for a refund or transcript? You may be able to ask the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) for help using Form 911—and there’s an important update you should know.
All Form 911 requests now go to a central TAS office, and the instructions now allow email submission in addition to mail and fax. That’s a win for Americans living abroad who struggle with faxing or slow international mail.
Note: Always confirm details on official IRS/TAS pages before you send anything. Processes can change.
Quick recap: What is TAS and Form 911?
TAS is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers resolve problems they haven’t been able to fix through normal channels.
- Use Form 911, Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance, when you’ve tried to resolve an issue and you’re facing—or could face—significant harm, such as financial hardship.
- TAS services are free.
What changed?
- Centralized intake: Instead of sending Form 911 to a local TAS office, requests go to one location and are assigned based on capacity. This may speed up routing.
- Email is now an option: You can submit Form 911 by email, mail, or fax. For many expats, email is the most practical.
Current submission details (per TAS instructions):
- Mail: 7940 Kentucky Dr, MS 11 G, Florence, KY 41042
- Fax: (855) 828-2723
- Email: tas.form.911.request.for.assistance@irs.gov
If you’re emailing sensitive data, consider security and follow any formatting notes in the IRS instructions. When in doubt, mail or fax may be safer.
When should an expat consider Form 911?
Situations where TAS may help include:
- You’ve contacted the IRS multiple times and the issue remains unresolved.
- A delayed refund is causing cash-flow strain while you’re overseas.
- An identity verification step is impossible due to your location.
- A penalty or notice appears incorrect and you can’t get a response.
- You’re facing a deadline and can’t get the IRS to act.
Ask yourself: Have I tried normal IRS channels? Is there harm or a deadline if this drags on? If yes, Form 911 might be appropriate.
How to submit Form 911 (step-by-step)
- Gather your facts. Notices, tax year(s), dates you called or wrote, case numbers, transcripts if available. Be specific about harm or risk (e.g., missed payroll, visa renewal issues, financial hardship).
- Complete Form 911. Fill out all sections that apply.Explain the timeline of what you have done to try to resolve the issued so far, and why you need TAS help.
- Attach supporting documents. Copies of IRS notices, prior correspondence, proof of hardship, and any forms you already filed. If a representative will speak for you, include a signed Form 2848 (Power of Attorney).
- Submit via email, mail, or fax using the details above. Keep copies of everything you send. If emailing, follow any file size or format guidance in the instructions.
- Track and respond. TAS may contact you for more information. Respond quickly to keep your case moving.
What to expect after you file
- Assignment: Your request is assigned based on capacity.
- Contact: A case advocate typically reaches out to learn more and outline next steps.
- Follow-through: TAS coordinates with IRS functions and keeps you updated.
- Timelines vary: Complex issues or backlogs could take longer. Clear, complete documentation helps.
Pro tip: Keep a simple log with dates, who you spoke with, and what was promised. That record can speed up TAS review.
Practical tips for Americans living abroad
- Time zones: List your local hours and preferred contact method on Form 911.
- Identity checks: If U.S.-only verification steps block you, describe why and suggest alternatives.
- Mail realities: If local mail is slow, email or fax may be better.
- Clarity wins: Short sentences. Bullet points. Attach evidence.
- Be realistic: TAS helps with roadblocks and systemic issues. It doesn’t replace standard IRS processing or guarantee outcomes.
FAQ
Is email safe for Form 911?
Email is now allowed. It’s convenient, but it may not be the most secure option in every situation. If you’re concerned, use mail or fax. Follow any privacy guidance in the instructions.
Does TAS charge fees?
No. TAS assistance is free.
Will TAS fix my problem immediately?
TAS can’t guarantee outcomes. It works inside the IRS to move cases forward and resolve issues where possible.
Disclaimer: Submission details may change. Always review the latest IRS/TAS instructions.