Know Your Taxpayer Bill of Rights

There’s something known as the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, and it was put into place by the Internal Revenue Service itself. This list of 10 rights pertains to instances where you file your tax return, pay your tax balances, respond to letters or notices, experience being audited or appeal a decision made by the IRS regarding your tax situation.

10 rights taxpayers have according to the IRS

1. The Right To Appeal an IRS Decision in an Independent Forum: You are allowed to respond to IRS decisions that you don’t agree with by appealing them.

2. The Right To Be Informed: In order to comply with tax laws, you are entitled to have access to information that tells you what the rules of the IRS are and how to adhere to them.

3. The Right To Challenge the IRS’ Position and Be Heard: As a taxpayer, you are allowed to challenge any decisions made by the IRS regarding your taxes. You can object to their claims or proposed actions.

4. The Right to Confidentiality: You should be able to trust that any information you share with the IRS will not be disclosed unless you authorize the disclosure of said information.

5. The Right to a Fair and Just Tax System: It is fair for you to expect that the tax system will consider all the facts and circumstances that affect your tax situation, including your ability to pay back taxes or afford your tax balance.

6. The Right to Finality: You deserve to be notified when the IRS has finalized an audit of your taxes.

7. The Right To Pay No More Than the Correct Amount of Tax: You should never pay more in taxes than you realistically and reasonably owe. The IRS is responsible for ensuring that this is the case.

8. The Right to Privacy: You have the right to expect that the IRS will always comply with the law when making inquiries, conducting examinations of your tax account or enforcing actions based on your situation.

9. The Right to Quality Service: You deserve the right to prompt and professional assistance when speaking with the IRS, no matter the details of the interaction.

10. The Right To Retain Representation: If you want to retain an authorized representative to advocate for you when you are working with the IRS, then this is a right awarded to you. If you cannot afford to pay for representation, you are permitted to seek assistance from low-income tax-payer clinics.

As a U.S. taxpayer, you are automatically granted the rights to be communicated with in a way you understand, to obtain clear forms of communication from the IRS, and to discuss the lack of adequate services with an IRS-appointed supervisor. In addition to those three rights, you are typically allowed to take your tax-related case to court as well.

What’s more, you can also reach out to the IRS and receive assistance from the Taxpayer Advocate Service, which is an independent organization, though it is still part of the IRS. Those who work for the Taxpayer Advocate Service do exactly that — advocate for taxpayers such as you and act as a voice for you with the IRS.

If you ever find yourself facing financial difficulties or you can’t seem to get through to the IRS but you need to resolve your tax issues, reach out to tax professionals for advice on what to do next.