Every taxpayer has fundamental rights when interacting with the IRS. Below is a summary of the IRS Taxpayer Bill of Rights.
- 1The Right to Be InformedTaxpayers have the right to know what they need to do to comply with tax laws. They are entitled to clear explanations of laws and IRS procedures.
- 2The Right to Quality ServiceTaxpayers have the right to receive prompt, courteous, and professional assistance: and to speak to a supervisor about inadequate service.
- 3The Right to Pay No More than the Correct Amount of TaxTaxpayers have the right to pay only the amount of tax legally due, including interest and penalties: and to have payments applied properly.
- 4The Right to Challenge the IRS's Position and Be HeardTaxpayers have the right to raise objections and provide additional documentation in response to IRS actions.
- 5The Right to Appeal an IRS Decision in an Independent ForumTaxpayers are entitled to a fair and impartial administrative appeal of most IRS decisions, and generally have the right to take their case to court.
- 6The Right to FinalityTaxpayers have the right to know the maximum amount of time they have to challenge an IRS position and the maximum time the IRS has to audit.
- 7The Right to PrivacyAny IRS inquiry, examination, or enforcement action will comply with the law and be no more intrusive than necessary, with respect for due process rights.
- 8The Right to ConfidentialityTaxpayers have the right to expect that any information they provide will not be disclosed unless authorized.
- 9The Right to Retain RepresentationTaxpayers have the right to retain an authorized representative of their choice when dealing with the IRS.
- 10The Right to a Fair and Just Tax SystemTaxpayers have the right to expect the system to consider facts and circumstances that might affect underlying liabilities, the ability to pay, or the ability to provide information timely.
