Did you know that as a taxpayer you have a Bill of Rights? That’s correct. There is a Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Now that Tax season has begun here at Hornstein Financial we will be covering this topic in our newsletter.
The IRS Mission is to provide America’s taxpayers with top quality service by helping them understand and meet their tax responsibilities and enforce the law with integrity and fairness to all.
- The Right to Be Informed
Taxpayers have a right to know what they need to do in order to comply with the tax laws. They are entitled to clear explanations of the laws and IRS procedures in all tax forms, instructions, publications, notices and correspondence. They have the right to be informed of IRS decisions about their tax accounts and to receive clear explanations of the outcomes.
- The Right to Quality Service
Taxpayers have a right to receive prompt, courteous and professional assistance in their dealings with the IRS. To be spoken to in a way they can easily understand, to receive clear and easily understandable communications from the IRS, and to speak to a supervisor about inadequate service.
- The Right to Pay No More Than the Correct Amount of Tax
Taxpayers have the right to pay only the amount of tax legally due, including interest and penalties, and to have the IRS apply all tax payments properly.
- The Right to Challenge the IRS’s Position and Be Heard
Taxpayers have the right to raise objections and provide additional documentation in response to formal IRS actions or proposed actions, to expect that the IRS will consider their timely objections and documentation promptly and fairly, and to receive a response if the IRS does not agree with their position.
- The Right to Appeal an IRS Decision in an Independent Forum
Taxpayers are entitled to a fair and impartial administrative appeal of most IRS decisions, including many penalties, and have the right to receive a written response regarding the Office of Appeals’ decision. Taxpayers generally have the right to take their cases to court.
The IRS provides the following sources for forms, publications and additional information. You can also contact Hornstein Financial and speak to Steve Hornstein or Samara Lewinson about your tax questions.