1. Be Informed

You have the right to understand tax laws and your obligations under them. The IRS is obligated to provide clear explanations in all tax forms and publications- good luck legal language!

When working with the IRS, you have the right to receive prompt, courteous and easy to understand communications.

It’s important to note that paying no more than the amount legally owed is your right as a taxpayer. This is where Lifetime Tax has your back. If you have overpaid, you may file for a refund within a given time frame. If you discover error within your return after you file, you may amend your return and correct errors. You may also call the number listed on your bill or notice for help.

You’re entitled to raise objections to IRS actions and expect a response. Providing relevant records to support your position is recommended, and if disagreements persist, you can file a petition within 90 days and request a hearing before the Office of Appeals.

It’s your right to raise reasonable objections and expect a response to formal IRS actions. You’ll generally have the opportunity to request a hearing before the Office of Appeals to dispute other actions such as the levying of bank accounts or other property.

You have the right to know the timeframes for challenging IRS positions and auditing procedures. Generally, the IRS can audit your tax return only once for a given tax year, and you should be informed when the audit concludes.

Taxpayers should anticipate that any investigation, audit, or enforcement procedure conducted by the IRS will adhere to legal standards, be minimally invasive, and uphold all due process rights. This includes protections against unreasonable search and seizure, as well as the opportunity for a collection due process hearing when relevant.

Any information provided to the IRS will not be disclosed unless authorized by the taxpayer. Appropriate action will be taken against any employee, return preparers, or others who wrongfully use or disclosure taxpayer return information. While these circumstances are ideal, there may be unexpected security breaches to be aware of.

You retain the right to have an authorized representative represent you in your dealings with the IRS. This could include but is not limited to an attorney, CPA, or assistance from the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic. In most situations, if the IRS is requesting an interview, they must suspend it if you request to consult with a representative of your choice.

You have the right to a fair and just tax system, meaning that you can expect the tax system to consider facts and circumstances that might affect your ability to pay or provide information timely. You may seek assistance from the Taxpayer Advocate Service if you are experiencing financial difficulty or if the IRS has not resolved your tax issues in a proper and timely manner.

Familiarizing yourself with the Taxpayer Bill of Rights ensures protection against injustice and empowers you to assert your rights effectively. For detailed information on each right, visit the IRS website.

***Legal Disclaimer***Lifetime Tax Advisors assumes no responsibility for the or liability for any errors or omissions or the results obtained from the use of this information. The information provided is not intended to replace or serve as a substitute for any advisory, tax, or other professional advice, consultation or service. Consult your own professional to see how this information applies to you. All information on this site is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness. Any tax advice contained in this communication is not intended to be used as an analysis of tax-related issues nor is it sufficient to avoid tax-related penalties. In no event will Lifetime Tax Advisors be liable to you for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information on this site.