Did you know that as a taxpayer you have certain rights that are outlined and available to you in the official “Taxpayer Bill of Rights?” In a 2012 taxpayer survey, only 46 percent of participants indicated that they believed they had rights when dealing with the IRS.
Even though these rights are not new standards by any means, the IRS introduced the Taxpayer Bill of Rights in 2015 to address this lack of awareness. By understanding the uniform Bill of Rights, taxpayers can recognize universal expectations for IRS and taxation matters.
1. The Right to Be Informed. Taxpayers have the right to know what is needed to comply with the tax law. They are entitled to clear explanations of the law, IRS procedures, along with publications and correspondence.
2. The Right to Quality Service. Taxpayers have the right to receive prompt, courteous, and professional assistance in dealings with the IRS. Communications must be easily understandable and IRS representatives are held accountable to ensure adequate service is provided.
3. The Right to Pay No More than the Correct Amount of Tax. Taxpayers have the right to pay only legally due tax, including interest and penalties, and to have all tax payments applied properly.
4. The Right to Challenge the IRS’s Position and Be Heard. Taxpayers have the right to raise objections and provide additional documentation in response to IRS actions.
5. The Right to Appeal an IRS Decision in an Independent Forum. Taxpayers are entitled to a fair and impartial administrative appeal of most IRS decisions, including penalties. They generally have the right to take cases to court.
6. The Right to Finality. Taxpayers have the right to know the time allowed for challenging the position of the IRS and when an audit is finished.
7. The Right to Privacy. Taxpayers have the right to expect that any IRS action will comply with the law and be no more intrusive than necessary.
8. The Right to Confidentiality. Taxpayers have the right to expect that any information they provide to the IRS will not be disclosed unless authorized.
9. The Right to Retain Representation. Taxpayers have the right to retain an authorized representative to represent them in their dealings with the IRS.
“A CPA is able to work with taxpayers as they deal with the IRS during audits and other tax matters,” says Chris Cicalese, CPA, MSTFP. Partnering with a CPA provides taxpayers the opportunity to work with someone that is familiar with IRS proceedings and the tax code. Although a CPA that is not a lawyer and cannot provide legal advice, they play an important role by interpreting and understanding the specific tax code that the IRS may say you do not comply with.”
10. The Right to a Fair and Just Tax System. Taxpayers have the right to expect consideration of facts and circumstances that might affect their situation.
Even though the IRS has introduced and stands by their Taxpayer Bill of Rights, your Alloy Silverstein CPA is always here to help you through tax preparation, planning, auditing, and IRS problem resolution services. Contact us today.
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© MC 2017 | “Tax Tips” are published weekly to provide current tax information, tax-cutting suggestions, and tax reminders. The tax information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.
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