Your Rights as a Taxpayer
Were you aware of your rights before the IRS? Many people get a notice from the IRS and go into panic mode. Don’t. You have rights and due process before the IRS. The IRS specifically lists the ten main rights you have as a taxpayer and the process they must follow in order to assess any taxes, make any adjustments to your tax returns and or charge any penalties and interest on late tax filings or late tax payments.
They are as follows:
The right to be Informed
The right to Quality Service
The right to pay no more than the correct amount of tax
The right to challenge the IRS’s positions and be heard.
The right to Appeal an IRS decision in an independent forum
The right of Finality
The right to Privacy
The right to Confidentiality
The right to Retain Representation
The right to a fair and just Tax System.
The IRS is obligated to help taxpayers understand and meet their tax responsibilities, but they are also required to enforce the tax laws with integrity and fairness to everyone.
You are also entitled to have a separate and independent Taxpayer Advocate assigned to you if you do not have a Tax Accountant available to represent you with any tax issue. Depending on the circumstances and the type of notice you receive, you may dispute the tax, dispute the adjustments and respond to any and all notices. Be informed, read the notice you receive, especially the due dates to respond. Also be aware that the IRS has multiple departments. Many of these do not communicate as efficiently as you might expect from a private company, for example. You also have the right to represent yourself.
In any case, always remember that the IRS is here to work for all of us as Taxpayers. Know your rights and contact us if you have any questions!
By: Angelo Sanchez, Jr., EA, Tax Resolution Specialist at CROFT & FROST
Sources:
IRS.gov