Tax Tips: What Rights Do I Have as a Taxpayer?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the branch of the Department of the Treasury responsible for collecting tax payments from U.S. citizens. As a United States taxpayer you are entitled to several rights through the IRS. It is important to know your rights as a taxpayer regardless of your tax bracket, which will ensure you are not being taken advantage of by the bureau and protect you if you happen to find yourself in a legal dispute with the IRS.
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Protection of Your Rights
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You have the right to the protection of your rights. The IRS must explain your rights to you, as well as protect them while you are in contact and working with the bureau.
Privacy and Confidentiality
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The second right you have as a taxpayer is the right to your privacy. The IRS cannot disclose any of the personal information you provide to it. The IRS can only disclose your personal information to another party if it is authorized to by law. In addition, you have the right to ask the IRS why it is requesting information from you.
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Professional and Courteous Service
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The third right you have as taxpayer is to be treated in a professional and courteous manner by the IRS. If you feel that an IRS employee has not treated you in a respectful way, you have the right to report him to his supervisor. If you believe that a supervisor has not treated you respectfully, you have the right to report him to the IRS director of your area.
Representation
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Your fourth right as a taxpayer is your right to representation. You can represent yourself or elect to have a person allowed to practice before the IRS represent you, such as an attorney, certified public account (CPA) or enrolled agent.
Payment of Only the Correct Amount of Tax
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Your fifth right as a taxpayer is your right to only pay the correct amount of taxes you owe to the IRS. In addition, if you are unable to pay the amount of taxes owed in full, you have the right to make monthly payments.
Help With Unresolved Tax Problems
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Your sixth right as a taxpayer is the right to seek help with unresolved tax problems. The Taxpayer Advocate Service can help you with any unresolved issues you have with the IRS.
Appeals and Judicial Review
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The seventh right you have as a taxpayer is the right to appeal the amount of your tax liability. You can also appeal collection actions. If you feel the amount the IRS is requesting from you is inaccurate you can ask the Appeals Office or a court of law to review your case.
Relief from Certain Penalties and Interest
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The eighth right you have as a taxpayer is the right to relief from certain penalties and interest. If you can show proof before a court of law that you acted in good faith to pay your taxes or followed the incorrect advice of an IRS employee, the IRS will waive the resulting penalties and/or interest.
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