At first glance, the IRS seems to hold unlimited power. Get on the agency’s wrong side, and you could suffer huge fees, liens, or in severe cases, the potential for jail time. These penalties may seem harsh, but they can’t be imposed at random. As a taxpayer, you hold far more control than you think, as revealed in the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights.
Taxpayer Bill of Rights Basics: What’s Included?
Like all United States taxpayers, you are entitled to several fundamental rights. These include:
- The right to be informed. You deserve access to accurate information about tax laws, compliance, and, on a personal level, IRS decisions regarding your account.
- The right to pay no more than the correct amount. You should be allowed to pay the IRS what is legally required — and nothing more.
- The right to challenge IRS positions. If you believe the IRS is in the wrong, you should be able to voice your objections. These warrant real consideration and a swift response.
- The right to appeal. You are allowed administrative appeals for most IRS decisions and may also have the ability to take your case to court.
- The right to privacy. IRS inquiries and enforcement actions should respect your right to due process, including protections against search and seizure.
- The right to confidentiality. If you provide the IRS with private information, you should expect that it will not be disclosed unless authorized by law.
- The right to quality service. When interacting with the IRS, you should receive prompt and polite service.
- The right to finality. You should know how long you are allowed to challenge the IRS — and how long the IRS is authorized to collect tax debt or conduct audits.
In addition to these rights, you are allowed to secure representation from an authorized individual. What’s more, you are not required to attend IRS interviews in person unless formally summoned.
If you’re struggling to stand up for your rights as a taxpayer, don’t hesitate to seek support from the Highland Tax Group. Reach out today to discover how we can advocate for your best interests.