What is the Taxpayer Bill of Rights & Why is it Important?

As a taxpayer, you must know your rights and understand how they protect you when dealing with the IRS. The Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TBOR) is a document that outlines the rights of taxpayers when dealing with the IRS. Our experts at JLW Tax & Bookkeeping are here to help outline everything you need to know. In this blog, we will discuss the Taxpayer Bill of Rights and why it’s important for taxpayers to understand how it can benefit them.

What is the Taxpayer Bill of Rights?

The Taxpayer Bill of Rights is a document that was created by the IRS in 2014. It outlines ten fundamental rights that taxpayers have when dealing with the IRS. The rights included in the TBOR are:

1. The Right to Be Informed
2. The Right to Quality Service
3. The Right to Pay No More than the Correct Amount of Tax
4. The Right to Challenge the IRS’s Position and Be Heard
5. The Right to Appeal an IRS Decision in an Independent Forum
6. The Right to Finality
7. The Right to Privacy
8. The Right to Confidentiality
9. The Right to Retain Representation
10. The Right to a Fair and Just Tax System

Each of these rights is explained in detail on the IRS website, and they are designed to protect taxpayers’ interests and ensure that the IRS treats taxpayers fairly and justly.

Why is the Taxpayer Bill of Rights Important?

The Taxpayer Bill of Rights is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it ensures taxpayers know their rights and can use them to protect themselves when dealing with the IRS. The TBOR gives taxpayers the confidence to challenge the IRS when they feel they have been treated unfairly. Secondly, the TBOR helps to create a culture of accountability at the IRS. By outlining taxpayers’ rights, the IRS is held to a higher standard and must treat taxpayers respectfully and fairly. Finally, the TBOR promotes transparency and consistency in the tax system. By making the IRS’s policies and procedures more transparent, taxpayers can better understand how the IRS operates and make informed decisions about their tax obligations. Our tax team at JLW Tax & Bookkeeping Services can explain this in further detail and offer quality tax preparation services.

How Can Taxpayers Use the Taxpayer Bill of Rights?

Taxpayers can use the TBOR to protect their rights when dealing with the IRS. For example, suppose a taxpayer believes the IRS violated their right to privacy or confidentiality. In that case, they can refer to the TBOR to explain why the IRS’s actions were inappropriate. If a taxpayer believes that the IRS has made an error in their tax assessment, they can use the TBOR to challenge the IRS’s position and request a fair and just resolution. In short, the TBOR is an important tool that taxpayers can use to ensure they are treated fairly when dealing with the IRS. It’s important for taxpayers to be aware of their rights and to use them to protect themselves when necessary. For more information and professional guidance, contact our accountants today.

Consult with our Tax Experts for Quality Guidance

In conclusion, the Taxpayer Bill of Rights is an essential document that outlines the fundamental rights of taxpayers when dealing with the IRS. It’s important for taxpayers to know their rights and to use them for protection and their benefit. If you need help navigating the tax system or have questions about your rights as a taxpayer, JLW Tax & Bookkeeping Services in Springfield, IL, is here to help. Call us at 217.679.1872 for a consultation!