As recommended by the National Taxpayer Advocate, the IRS has adopted a Taxpayer Bill of Rights. The Taxpayer Bill of Rights groups the dozens of existing rights in the Internal Revenue Code into ten fundamental rights, and makes these rights more clear, more understandable, and more quickly available to taxpayers.
“At their core, taxpayer rights are human rights”
– National Taxpayer Advocate Nina E. Olson
| Your rights as a taxpayer | |
|---|---|
Taxpayer Bill of RightsYou have rights as a taxpayer when dealing with the IRS.
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Your rights to retain representationYou have the right to retain an authorized representative of your choice to represent you in your dealings with the IRS.
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| Your rights in IRS processes | ||
|---|---|---|
ExaminationThe IRS accepts most returns as filed but if your return is audited, you have rights. If the IRS proposes additional tax and you don’t agree that you owe it, you have the right to challenge that decision.
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CollectionIf the IRS moves to collect overdue tax from you, you have rights. If you owe tax but can’t pay in full, you may be able to pay in installments or appeal the collection action.
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AppealsYou have the right to appeal many actions the IRS taken in examination and collection.
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The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS and is your voice at the IRS. TAS is led by the National Taxpayer Advocate and has employees throughout the country whose job is to make sure every taxpayer is treated fairly, and that you know and understand your rights. We offer free help to guide you through the often-confusing process of resolving your tax problems that you haven’t been able to solve on your own.