National Taxpayer Advocate Interactive Map

What Is the Taxpayer Roadmap?

Think of it as a subway map for the tax system. Like a subway map, it shows many lines and stations along the way, guiding you from your starting point all the way to your destination. The tool illustrates, at a very high level, the stages of a taxpayer’s journey, from getting answers to tax law questions, all the way through audits, appeals, collection, and litigation.

The roadmap was initially launched in 2019 by former National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson, who personally spent dozens of hours designing it with her team. What started as a static visual has evolved into a powerful interactive tool that continues to grow and improve, with new “stops” added regularly to help taxpayers understand exactly where they are in the process.

Why You Need This Tool Right Now

If you’ve received an IRS notice, you probably have three burning questions:

1. What does this notice mean?
2. Where am I in the IRS process?
3. What happens next?

The Interactive Taxpayer Roadmap answers all three questions instantly.

How to Use the Interactive Roadmap (It’s Incredibly Simple!)

Method 1: Enter Your Notice Number (The Fastest Way)

1. Go to the Taxpayer Advocate Service website at TaxpayerAdvocate.irs.gov/get-help/roadmap/
2. Locate the notice number on your IRS letter (usually in the top or bottom right corner)
3. Enter that number in the search field
4. Hit search – and boom! The tool pinpoints exactly where you are on the map

The system will show you:

• Why the IRS sent you this notice
• What stage of the process you’re in
• What actions you need to take
• What to expect next
• Your rights at this stage

Method 2: Browse by Topic Area Not sure what notice you have, or just want to explore? Use the quick-view section links:

• Tax Return Preparation – Start here if you’re getting ready to file
• Tax Return Processing – Track your return from filing to refund
• Examination (Audit) – Understand the audit process
• Appeals – Learn about challenging IRS decisions
• Collection – Navigate payment plans and collection actions
• Litigation – Understand Tax Court and legal proceedings

Method 3: Explore the Full Map Click on any “stop” (marker) on the map to learn about that specific stage. You can zoom in (+) and out (-) to see more or less detail as needed.

What Makes This Tool So Powerful?

Real-World Scenarios It Helps With:

Scenario 1: You Got Notice CP14

• Enter “CP14” in the search field
• Learn it’s a “Notice of Tax Due and Demand for Payment”
• See exactly where you are in the collection process
• Understand what happens if you pay vs. don’t pay
• Learn about payment plan options before things escalate

Scenario 2: You’re Being Audited

• Search your exam letter number
• See where you are in the examination process
• Understand what comes next: will it go to Appeals? Collection?
• Learn your rights during an audit
• Find out when and how to get help from TAS

Scenario 3: You’re Confused About Multiple Notices

• Track each notice on the map
• See how they connect to each other
• Understand the sequence of events
• Know which deadlines are most critical

Key Features That Make Navigation Easy:

Notice Lookup Database – Hundreds of IRS notices explained in plain English

Visual Journey Mapping – See your path from start to finish at a glance

Interactive Hotspots – Click any station to drill down into details

Tax Term Glossary – Understand IRS jargon instantly

Rights Information – Know what protections you have at each stage

Next Steps Guidance – Clear action items so you know what to do

Downloadable Versions – Print the map for offline reference (Publication 5341)

Understanding the “Stations” on Your Journey

The roadmap reveals six main pathways through the tax system:

1. Tax Return Preparation & Filing

Your journey begins here. Get help with filing questions, find free tax assistance (VITA/TCE), and understand filing requirements.

2. Tax Return Processing

After you file, your return enters processing. Track it here and understand why some returns take longer (PATH Act holds, identity verification, etc.).

3. Examination (Audit)

If your return is selected for review, follow this path to understand correspondence audits vs. field audits, and what documentation you’ll need.

4. Appeals

Disagree with an IRS decision? This path shows how to challenge determinations, request appeals conferences, and understand your options.

5. Collection

Owe taxes? This critical path covers everything from initial notices to payment plans, liens, levies, and currently not collectible status.

6. Litigation

Need to go to Tax Court? This path maps out the legal process, deadlines, and procedures for formal disputes.

Why the Map Shows “Twists and Turns”

One of the most eye-opening aspects of the roadmap is seeing just how complex the system really is. The road to compliance isn’t always easy to navigate, with numerous connections, overlaps, and repetitions between stages.

For example:

• You might start in Processing, get kicked to Examination, then jump to Appeals, circle back to Collection, and potentially end up in Litigation
• A single issue might trigger multiple notices from different departments
• Different tax years might be at different stages simultaneously

The roadmap makes all of this visible and understandable, which is incredibly empowering for taxpayers who feel overwhelmed.

Advanced Tips for Power Users

For Tax Professionals:

• Use it to explain the process to anxious clients
• Reference specific stops when discussing strategy
• Show clients where they are vs. where they could end up
• Download and print for client consultations

For DIY Taxpayers:

• Bookmark the page and check it whenever you get mail from the IRS
• Use it proactively to understand what’s coming before problems arise
• Share it with family members dealing with tax issues
• Print the PDF version to mark your personal journey

For Those in Crisis:

• Use it to determine if you qualify for Taxpayer Advocate Service help
• Understand deadlines before they pass
• Identify when professional help becomes essential
• Learn about hardship options and relief programs

When to Get Help from TAS

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS that helps when:

• You’re experiencing economic hardship due to IRS action
• You’ve tried to resolve your issue through normal channels without success
• You’re facing an immediate threat of adverse action
• The IRS isn’t responding to your inquiries within normal timeframes

Use the TAS Qualifier Tool at TaxpayerAdvocate.irs.gov to see if you qualify for free assistance.

Additional Resources on the Roadmap Site

Beyond the map itself, the site offers:

Tax Terms Dictionary – Definitions of complex IRS terminology

Complete Notice Database – Browse all IRS notices and letters

Contact Information – Direct lines to relevant IRS departments

Educational Resources – Tax tips, guides, and success stories

Taxpayer Bill of Rights – Know your 10 fundamental rights

Real Success Stories

The roadmap has helped thousands of taxpayers:

• Prevented unnecessary levies by helping taxpayers understand collection alternatives before it was too late
• Reduced audit anxiety by showing that examination doesn’t always mean owing more money
• Empowered pro se taxpayers to navigate Tax Court without representation
• Saved marriages and businesses by providing clarity during stressful IRS interactions
• Connected people to free help through LITC clinics and VITA sites

How to Access the Roadmap

Online (Interactive Version – Recommended): Visit: TaxpayerAdvocate.irs.gov/get-help/roadmap/

• Free to use
• No login required
• Mobile-friendly
• Updated regularly

Download/Print (PDF Version):

• Publication 5341 – The Taxpayer Roadmap
• Available in English and Spanish
• High-resolution (32×32) for printing posters
• Low-resolution (18×18) for quick reference
• Order up to 5 free copies by calling 800-829-3676

Get Help Using It: If you need assistance navigating the roadmap or your tax issue:

• Call TAS at 877-777-4778
• Submit a request for assistance online
• Visit a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) in your area

View The Tax Roadmap Right Here:

TAS_Roadmap_32x32

The Bottom Line

The digital roadmap is a powerful tool to improve access to justice in the tax system. Whether you’re a taxpayer trying to understand a confusing notice, a tax professional explaining the process to clients, or someone deep in a tax dispute wondering what comes next, the Interactive Taxpayer Roadmap provides the clarity and direction you need.

The IRS system doesn’t have to be a black box. With this tool, you can see the whole picture, understand where you are, know what’s coming, and make informed decisions about your next steps.

Don’t Navigate the IRS Blind – Use Your Roadmap!