Final answer:
A Taxpayer Assistance Order is issued by the National Taxpayer Advocate to help taxpayers who are experiencing significant hardships due to the IRS's administration. This is part of the advocate's role in assisting with tax issues and advising on potential system improvements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Taxpayer Assistance Order (TAO) is an administrative tool used by the National Taxpayer Advocate to request action from the IRS when a taxpayer is suffering or about to suffer a significant hardship as a result of the manner in which the Internal Revenue laws are being administered. The National Taxpayer Advocate is an independent organization within the IRS, designed to help taxpayers resolve problems with the IRS and recommend changes that will prevent the problems. In circumstances where the IRS is slow in sending you a tax refund or fails to adequately answer your questions, the taxpayer advocate may step in to help expedite the process.
Federal income taxes are assessed based on an individual's or entity's income, deductions, and credits, as outlined in the federal tax code. People may also be subject to other types of taxes, such as sales, property, and payroll taxes. The main function of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is to administer and enforce the Internal Revenue Code, including the collection of taxes and the issuance of refunds.
Politics can influence tax laws through the enactment of legislation by elected officials who may instruct government agencies to prioritize different goals or undergo organizational changes. However, unlike private businesses, the government agency responsible for taxes is not subject to the pressures of competition and may experience only mild pressure to become more efficient or responsive.