Internal Revenue Service – Many people recoil when they hear IRS being mentioned anywhere, let alone deal with it. This discomfort is partly attributed to the image media have portrayed of IRS in the recent years. There is a need to educate people about the responsibilities of citizens in general, and taxpayers in particular and how to deal with IRS. Only then their unseen fears can be quieted down and a more balanced tax paying system can be developed.

IRS, as we all know, is an agency which is responsible for collecting taxes and administrating business. The person who pays tax is given full rights under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights – a legislation approved by Congress in the mid 1990’s. Under this legislation, the taxpayer and the IRS are bounded by certain agreements which are in favor of both parties. This legislation was passed to let citizens contribute positively to the country’s economy, as well as help them deal with IRS abuses.

There are many protections available to the taxpayer under this legislation. While dealing with the IRS, taxpayers are allowed to record the entire interview and before the interview the IRS agent has to provide an explanation of the audit. If the taxpayer wants to consult an attorney the interview can be held for a few days upon the taxpayer’s request. Taxpayers have now been granted the right to sue the Federal Government if some damage is done to their financial position by the unjustified actions of IRS employees.

To avoid any tension, one must take this responsibility seriously and try to focus on the root of the problem. The taxpayer should listen intently to what the IRS employee is demanding and then decide honestly and fairly what should be done about it. In order to form a better relationship with the IRS agent one must know what the restrictions on IRS seizure are as well as the major provisions of the bill should be known and understood completely by the taxpayer.

You need to remember that whatever requests you make to the IRS they have to be in accordance with the bill of rights. You can request waiver of penalties, extension of deadlines for the payment of tax and an appeal to the Government. The IRS agent will himself let you know about your rights and protections under the law so that you can decide for the betterment of both parties and settle the issue without having to involve the higher authorities.