The Taxpayer Bill of Rights contains ten basic rights that every taxpayer has when dealing with the IRS. These rights are protected by law. See Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer, if you’d like more information on these rights.
When something goes wrong with a taxpayer’s account, the taxpayer has the right to know about it. This is one of the 10 rights stated in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.
The Right To Be Informed
Being informed is part of every taxpayer’s responsibility in dealing with the IRS. The Taxpayer Bill of Rights apprises you of your rights and responsibilities as a taxpayer, and outlines the IRS’ realm of authority. It also describes 10 fundamental rights that apply to every taxpayer and covers filing a complaint if you feel one or more of these rights have been violated.
Taxpayers have the right to know what they are required to do to comply with the tax laws. Taxpayers have the right to know why they are being contacted, what actions my be taken, and what rights they have during an examination, collection action, or appeal.
IRS Tax Forms
The IRS makes tax forms and publications available in an electronic format so taxpayers can access them from their computers. You can download these IRS forms and publications to your computer for free or order a paper copy.
IRS Payment Plan
Taxpayers who enter into a payment plan with the IRS will be sent an annual statement. The statement will include how much the taxpayer owes at the beginning of the year and the amount paid during the year, as well as the amount that still owes at the end of the year. The IRS will also provide helpful tax information on publications, such as forms, posted on its website and through social media.
The IRS will send an annual statement to taxpayers who enter into a payment plan. The statement will include how much the taxpayer owes at the beginning of the year, how much that was paid during the year and how much still is owed at the end of the year.
IRS Social Media
In an effort to reach more taxpayers, the IRS will use Facebook and Twitter this tax season. Social media has become such an important tool in providing information that we plan to expand social media outreach throughout the year.
English as a Second Language
For taxpayers who may not speak English, or who have vision or mobility impairments, the IRS offers services such as translated instructions and publications; live telephone assistance; in-person assistance at Taxpayer Assistance Centers; Braille, large print and audio formats.