| Most taxpayers interact with the Internal Revenue | | | | that is the result of certain errors or delays caused by |
| Service without having knowledge of their taxpayer | | | | an IRS employee. |
| rights or how to exercise them. They do not know of | | | | If requested and you owe less than $10,000, not |
| "The Taxpayer Bill of Rights". Primarily the Taxpayer | | | | including tax penalties or interest, the IRS MUST agree |
| Bill of Rights details what the IRS can do, how you will | | | | to a 3 year installment payment schedule. Compliance |
| be effected and how and what you can do to protect | | | | with any installment agreement is a must. |
| your rights and tax help available. Some of your | | | | You must receive a "Notice of Lien" 5 business days |
| taxpayer rights are: | | | | after the filing of the lien before a tax lien or levy can |
| You must be dealt with in a respectful, courteous and | | | | be enforced. The tax notice sent MUST have an |
| professional manner by IRS employees and tax | | | | explanation of the IRS tax levy procedures; your |
| information and the tax help you need to comply with | | | | taxpayer right to have an IRS administrative appeal |
| tax laws must be made available to you. | | | | and the IRS appeal procedures. It must also state the |
| The IRS is not allowed to disclose to anyone the | | | | alternatives to the proposed tax levy such as an |
| information you give them, except as authorized by | | | | installment agreement as well as the tax rules allowing |
| law. All information must be kept confidential. | | | | you to obtain a release of the tax lien. |
| You have the right to know why you are being asked | | | | If the tax amount disputed is $5,000 or less a personal |
| for information, how it will be used, and what happens | | | | residence is exempt from being seized. |
| if you do not provide it. I am sure, it seems scary | | | | For a levy or lien attaching money in your bank |
| asking an IRS agent "Why", "How" and "What if I don't" | | | | account a bank will hold your money for 21-days after |
| but these are your rights. If you don't use them you | | | | receiving notice of an IRS tax levy before turning it |
| lose them. | | | | over to the IRS. This allows you time to contact the |
| Clear explanations must be in any tax notice or mail | | | | IRS for an explanation and to. |
| inquiries. The IRS also must also furnish any additional | | | | You have the right to and should appeal if you feel |
| information if you request. | | | | you have paid the taxes and the IRS still tries to levy |
| If an IRS agent threatens to seize your home or take | | | | your property. If the statute of limitations or if the |
| some other tax collection measure that could cause | | | | property is exempt under bankruptcy rules you should |
| you a significant hardship, you can and should apply for | | | | appeal also. |
| a Taxpayer Assistance Order by filing IRS Tax Form | | | | You can suspend an IRS tax audit in progress at any |
| 911. This will suspend all collection action while your | | | | time to consult with your professional advisor. |
| request is reviewed. | | | | Hopefully you will not have to utilize any of these rights. |
| You have the taxpayer right of relief from certain | | | | If so you are now armed with basic information on |
| penalties and interest. The IRS will waive penalties | | | | your Taxpayer Rights. It is advised that you seek |
| when allowed by law if you can show you acted | | | | professional tax help in resolving any tax disputes and |
| reasonably and in good faith or relied on the incorrect | | | | to ensure that all of your taxpayer rights are exercised |
| advice of an IRS employee. They will waive interest | | | | to the fullest. |