The New Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights
As April 15 approaches, here’s a little good news that may make you feel more empowered as a taxpayer.
Recently, the IRS adopted a new bill of rights defining the level of service all of us should expect and receive. Your rights now include:
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The right to be informed
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The right to quality service
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The right to pay no more than the correct amount of tax
- The right to challenge the IRS position and be heard
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The right to appeal to the IRS in an independent forum
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The right to finality
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The right to privacy
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The right to confidentiality
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The right to retain representation
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The right to a fair and just tax system
As your tax preparers and advisors, we’re glad to see this spelled out.One of our key goals is to help you feel fully informed and supported in filing your personal taxes. We’re dedicated to helping you understand what’s on your return, what you owe and why. Like the IRS, we are dedicated to protecting your confidential information and helping you seek resolution when issues come up.
Timely attention to special needs is another matter -- and that’s where the IRS may face a few challenges. Since 2010, the agency’s budget has been slashed by $1 billion, resulting in a loss of 10,000 employees. The remaining staff is working through a heavy backlog of correspondence, estimated at more than 1 million letters at the end of 2013.
If you have an amended tax return, the IRS website suggests you may have to wait at least 12 weeks for a response. After 3 weeks you can check your status online. You will need your Social Security Number, date of birth and zip code.
The IRS may be behind, but you don’t necessarily have to be. If you’ve already given us all relevant information for your 2014 return, we thank you. If you still owe us information, we encourage you to get your documents in just as soon as possible! We will do everything we can to prepare you for on-time filing.
Freaking out? Not sure about a particular tax issue?Let us knowand we’ll get back to you as quickly as we can.