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IRS TAXPAYER ADVOCATE SERVICE

Small businesses with unresolved federal tax problems may be eligible for free assistance from the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), an independent branch within the Internal Revenue Service that represents the interests of taxpayers.

TAS will assign knowledgeable advocates to help qualified small businesses navigate the federal tax system, understand what is causing their unresolved tax problems, and reach closure with the IRS.

Small businesses may be eligible for assistance from TAS if they have tried other channels to resolve their tax issues and still face economic hardships of significant cost to the tax problem, have experienced more than a 30-day delay to resolve an issue or have not received a response or resolution in the time promised by the IRS.

For more information call toll-free 1-877-ASK-TAS1 and request the assistance of a taxpayer advocate.
 

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SBA BUDGET REQUEST REFLECTS COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE CAPITAL
FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

This week, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced a fiscal year 2005 budget request of $678.4 million that increases loan authority for the agency’s flagship lending program and strengthens the agency’s most successful programs.
The budget requests $12.5 billion in loan guarantee authority for the 7(a) program, a 30 percent increase over the FY 2004 requested level, building on the SBA’s record-breaking 2003, which saw an historic number of loans granted under the 7(a) program.

The budget proposal also includes a zero subsidy rate for the 7(a) program, due in part to the expiration of a temporary fee reduction passed by Congress. The result is a funding structure that will add stability and independence to the program, which would no longer rely on an annual appropriation.

In an effort to provide more effective service to small businesses, the budget also includes funding for its core programs with an emphasis on making better use of these programs’ extensive resources and well-developed infrastructures. Those program levels include:

• $12 million for Women’s Business Centers

• $88 million for Small Business Development Centers

• $5 million for the SCORE program

• $750,000 for National Women's Business Council

• $750,000 for Veterans Outreach

• $1.5 million for 7(j) technical assistance

• $1 million for the Drug Free Workplace program

By relying on these core programs, the SBA can deliver a wider array of services to more small businesses with increased customer service and efficiency.
 

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Visit the Advocacy area for news on the issues that affect you. Members can read the latest AFS News From The Hill and review the 2004 Legislative Agenda. You'll also find helpful links to contact your elected officials.