The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is available year-round for any questions. They also have a Taxpayer Bill of Rights, which promises the level of service and information you will receive when working with the IRS.
Here are the ten fundamental rights you have as a taxpayer when interacting with the IRS:
- The right to be informed: As a taxpayer, you have the right to know what is required to comply with tax laws.
- The right to quality service: You will receive prompt, courteous, and professional assistance.
- The right to pay no more than the correct amount of tax: You only pay what is legally due, including interest and penalties.
- The right to challenge the IRS’ position and be heard: You have the right to object to IRS actions and provide further justification with documentation.
- The right to appeal an IRS decision in an independent forum: Taxpayers are entitled to a fair and impartial administrative appeal of most IRS decisions, including certain penalties.
- The right to finality: You have the right to know how much time you have to challenge an IRS position and how soon the IRS must audit your taxes.
- The right to privacy: All IRS inquiries, examinations, and enforcement won’t be more intrusive than necessary.
- The right to confidentiality: Taxpayers have the right to expect that their tax information will remain confidential.
- The right to retain representation: Taxpayers have the right to retain an authorized representative of their choice to represent them in their interactions with the IRS.
- The right to a fair and just tax system: Taxpayers have the right to expect the tax system to consider all facts and circumstances that might affect their liabilities, ability to pay, or ability provide timely information.
*This information is not intended to substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.
Tip adapted from IRS.gov6
Footnotes and Sources
- IRS.gov, February 6, 2023
