When something happens to a taxpayer’s account, that person has the right to be informed about the activity. In fact, this right is one of ten in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.
The Taxpayer Bill of Rights takes the multiple existing rights in the nation’s tax code and groups them into 10 categories for easier use and reference.
The right to be informed leads the list. This means taxpayers have the right to:
- Know what they need to do to comply with the tax laws.
- Have clear explanations of the laws and IRS procedures in all forms, instructions, publications, notices and correspondence.
- Be informed of IRS decisions about their tax accounts.
- Receive clear explanations of the outcomes of IRS decisions.
To make sure taxpayers are informed, the IRS will:
- Include within certain notices any amount of the tax, interest and certain penalties the taxpayer owes.
- Explain why the taxpayer owes any taxes.
- Explain the specific reasons why it denied a refund claim.
- Post information on IRS.gov to help taxpayers understand their IRS notice or letter.
- Send a letter when the agency assesses a tax. That letter must include:
- Information on how the taxpayer can appeal the decision.
- An explanation of the entire process from audit through collection.
- Details on how the Taxpayer Advocate Service can help.
- 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.
- Paid during the year.
- Still owes at the end of the year.
Other posts
- Everything you need to know about second stimulus payment. IRS released the info and some people may get direct deposit payments before the new year.
- Taxpayers should check out these tips before choosing a tax preparer
- How the IRS prioritizes compliance work on high income non-filers through national and international efforts
- Taxpayers should know and understand their correct filing status
- Using the Tax Withholding Estimator will help taxpayers avoid surprises next year
- Relief for taxpayers affected by COVID-19 who take distributions or loans from retirement plans
- IRS warns against COVID-19 fraud; other financial schemes
- 159 million Economic Impact Payments processed; Low-income people and others who aren’t required to file tax returns can quickly register for payment with IRS Non-Filers tool
- IRS reminder: June 15 tax deadline postponed to July 15 for taxpayers who live and work abroad
- Exclusive First Look At The 954-Foot-Long Ship Touted To Be The ‘Ultimate Private Superyacht’