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Few
people are spoiling for a fight with the Internal Revenue
Service. But if you do happen to have problems with
the agency this tax season -- or anytime -- there's
a Web site you can visit for help.
The IRS has placed
all taxpayer rights information in one Internet location.
Its Taxpayer
Rights Corner consolidates data that previously
was scattered throughout the agency's main Web site.
Created as a "one-stop
taxpayer shop," the site was created by the reorganized
agency to meet congressional orders that taxpayers receive
better treatment. Web topics range from basic taxpayer
information to details on IRS examination and collection
procedures to a how-to on getting help from the IRS.
Highlighted taxpayer
concerns include:
- The Declaration
of Taxpayer Rights, detailing what taxpayers can expect
when dealing with the agency.
- Links to common IRS notices,
what they mean and what a taxpayer should do if he
or she gets one.
- A look at examination and collection
issues, with links to publications outlining the IRS
processes.
- How a taxpayer can appeal IRS
decisions he or she believes are incorrect or unfair.
- What to expect when the agency
initiates tax bill-collection efforts.
The site also has sections
on the agency's Taxpayer Advocate Service, innocent
spouse tax concerns, confidentiality issues and taxpayer
legal representation rights.
Freelance writer Kay Bell writes Bankrate's tax stories from her Austin, Texas, home. She also writes two tax blogs, Bankrate's Eye on the IRS, and Don't Mess With Taxes.
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Updated: Feb. 12, 2008 |
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