The Taxpayer Bill of Rights

Although many taxpayers are not aware of it, we actually have fundamental rights under federal law. Known as the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, these benefits protect taxpayers when interacting with the IRS. To learn more about these protections and how they apply in your own life, please reach out to dedicated Florida tax and IRS attorney Ronald Cutler who can advise you.

What is the Taxpayer Bill of Rights? 

The Taxpayer Bill of Rights is divided into the following ten categories:

• The right to be informed;
• The right to finality;
• The right to privacy;
• The right to confidentiality;
• The right to receive quality service;
• The right to challenge the IRS;
• The right to retain representation;
• The right to pay only the correct amount of tax;
• The right to appeal an IRS decision; and
• The right to a fair and just tax system.

Each of these rights play a critical role in helping taxpayers obtain fair judgments from the IRS and pay no more than is necessary.

The Right to Be Informed  

The right to be informed refers to the right to know what one must do to be in compliance with tax laws. This includes the right to receive clear explanations of tax law and IRS procedures when dealing with tax forms, publications, correspondence, instructions, and notices, as well as the right to remain informed of IRS decisions about tax accounts.

The Right to Finality  

Taxpayers also have the right to know the amount of time that they have to challenge the IRS’s position, as well as the maximum amount of time that the agency can audit a certain tax year or attempt to collect a debt. Finally, taxpayers also have the right to notice when the IRS has finished an audit of their accounts.

The Right to Privacy and Confidentiality  

The Taxpayer Bill of Rights also give taxpayers the right to expect that all IRS inquiries and enforcement actions will comply with the law and respect due process rights (including the right to be free of unreasonable searches and seizures). Similarly, taxpayers are guaranteed the right to expect that any information provided to the IRS will not be disclosed unless they are authorized by law or the taxpayer him or herself to do so and that employees who fail to abide by these confidentiality rules will be held accountable.

The Right to Quality Service

Taxpayers have the right to receive professional, courteous, and prompt assistance when dealing with the IRS. This includes the right to:

• Receive clear and easily understandable communications;
• Pay only the amount of tax that is legally due;
• Have their objections and documentation promptly and fairly considered; and
• Receive a fair and impartial administrative appeal.

Finally, taxpayers have the right to retain legal representation to ensure that the other rights guaranteed to them under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights are respected.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today  

Ultimately, taxpayers are guaranteed the right to a fair and just tax system. If this has been denied to you, please contact dedicated IRS and tax law attorney Ronald Cutler, P.A. at 386-490-9949 today to learn more about your legal options.

Resources:

irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1.pdf

irs.gov/taxpayer-bill-of-rights

https://www.hotlineforhelp.com/new-regulations-regarding-qualified-opportunity-zone-investments/