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The IRS definition of financial hardship is when a taxpayer cannot afford to pay for their basic living expenses. If taxpayers are having a problem financially supporting the health and welfare of their families, the added expense of paying their tax bill will only make their situation worse.

Tips on Writing a Hardship Letter Keep a copy of your letter before you mail it. The IRS normally responds within 60 days. So you should wait about 45 days after you have mailed your letter to the IRS and if you do not get a reply, send another copy of your hardship letter. Simply change the date on the letter.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS and is your voice at the IRS. We help taxpayers whose problems are causing financial difficulty.

Financial Hardship issues are those involving a financial difficulty to a taxpayer, or an IRS action or inaction has caused or will cause negative financial consequences, or have a long-term adverse impact on a taxpayer.

If you're facing serious financial difficulties and need your refund immediately contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877-777-4778. We may be able to expedite your refund.

The IRS may agree that you have a financial hardship (economic hardship) if you can show that you cannot pay or can barely pay your basic living expenses. For the IRS to determine you are in a hardship situation, the IRS will use its collection financial standards to determine allowable basic living expenses.