The Taxpayer Bill of Rights (Part 2)

Today we're back to talk about the last five rights you have according to the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. It's important to be aware of these in case you ever find yourself in a tax dispute with the IRS.

Today, we’re back to talk about the second part of our series on the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.

You can see the first portion here.

Last time I talked about the first five rights under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Today, let's talk about the other five.

6. You have the right to finality. Taxpayers have the right to know the maximum amount of time they have to challenge the IRS’s position as well as the maximum amount of time the IRS has to audit a particular tax year. Taxpayers have the right to know when the IRS has finished an audit.

7. You have the right to privacy. Taxpayers have the right to expect that any IRS inquiry, examination, or enforcement action will comply with the law and be no more intrusive than necessary, and will respect all due process rights, including search and seizure protections and a collection due process hearing where applicable.

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You have the right to privacy and confidentiality.

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8. You have the right to confidentiality. Taxpayers have the right to expect that any information they provide to the IRS will not be disclosed unless authorized by the taxpayer or by law. Taxpayers have the right to expect the IRS to investigate and take appropriate action against its employees, return preparers, and others who wrongfully use or disclose taxpayer return information.

9. You have the right to retain representation. Taxpayers have the right to retain an authorized representative of their choice to represent them in their dealings with the IRS. Taxpayers have the right to be told that if they cannot afford to hire a representative they may be eligible for assistance from a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic.

10. You have the right to a fair and just tax system. Taxpayers have the right to expect the tax system to consider facts and circumstances that might affect their underlying liabilities, ability to pay, or ability to provide information timely. Taxpayers have the right to receive assistance from the Taxpayer Advocate Service if they are experiencing financial difficulty or if the IRS has not resolved their tax issues properly and timely through its normal channels.

If you have tax problems, you should always protect yourself by hiring a qualified Tax Problem specialist. We have experience in strategies in negotiating with the IRS to get you the lowest amount that you have to pay. If you have a tax problem or know someone with a tax problem, give me a call or send me an email soon. I'd be happy to help.