Taxpayer Rights!
As a U.S. taxpayer you have rights, and you need to know what your rights entitle you to. The IRS is highlighting your rights in Publication 1 “Your Rights as a Taxpayer”. Millions of taxpayers will be receiving Publication 1 when they receive their IRS notices on issues ranging from tax audits to tax collections.
The language inside the Internal Revenue Code includes your rights as a taxpayer. Understanding the codes is so difficult for the average person. Below is a bullet list of the Rights you will see on Publication 1 in your mailing:
- The Right to be Informed
- The Right to Quality Service
- The Right to Pay No More than the Correct Amount of Tax
- The Right to Challenge the IRS’s Position and Be Heard
- The Right to Appeal an IRS Decision in an Independent Forum
- The Right to Finality
- The Right to Privacy
- The Right to Confidentiality
- The Right to Retain Representation
- The Right to a Fair and Just Tax System
Taxpayer Representation
The error happens with most taxpayers when they make contact with the IRS without representation. You the taxpayer is so focused on fixing the problem. Many overlook their taxpayers’ rights. The IRS knows this and will allow you to forfeit your rights. Their goal is to collect the taxes you owe. You will not be advised by the IRS that taking certain actions or non-action will be detrimental to your case.
The failure to respond within a certain time frame would forfeit your appeal rights to address your tax matter at a higher level of the IRS. This appeal may result in a more favorable outcome for your case. Don’t go at the IRS alone. Hold off on the telephone call until you read Publication 1 and fully understand your rights. If you don’t, then exercise your right to retain representation. Michael Raanan, MBA, EA, President of Landmark Tax Group wrote a great piece on “Who Can Represent You When You Have Tax Debt?”.
Your rights are important to you and so don’t relinquish them so nonchalantly. If you have questions about your taxpayer rights or need help protecting your rights while resolving your case, contact me here to request for consultation.
