Even though tax season has come and gone, many Texas residents may feel like it never really passes. All year, they are either preparing for filing their next tax return or responding to errors they made in their last one. However, what many do not know is that, as taxpayers, they have certain rights.
Most importantly, taxpayers have the right to be informed. This means they have the right to know what taxes they must comply with and the procedures to do so, and to receive information about tax decisions made and explanations regarding them as well. Secondly, they have the right to quality service, meaning to polite, prompt and professional assistance from the Internal Revenue Service in such a manner that can be understood.
They have the right to pay no more than what they owe and the right to both challenge IRS’s decision and to appeal it. This means they have the right to raise objections and give more information to the IRS actions or proposed actions. This includes knowing the maximum amount of time they have to challenge IRS position and the maximum amount of time the IRS has to audit a certain year. Their rights also cover the right to know when an audit is completed. Additionally, taxpayers have the right to an impartial and fair appeal of most of IRS decisions.
An IRS audit defense and appeal is part and parcel of tax law, but taxpayers often do not know the rights they can exercise. Those who are facing penalties they want to appeal or oppose may want to consider consulting an experienced attorney for guidance on how to proceed.