The mission of the IRS is to "Provide America's taxpayers top quality service by helping them understand and meet their tax responsibilities and by applying the tax law with integrity and fairness to all." The Internal Revenue Service is responsible for collecting over 90% of all dollars collected by the United States Government. Collection of revenue is the core business of the IRS. The IRS is an arm of the federal government and all IRS employees are federal employees. They are paid by the federal government to look after its interest - collection of revenues. As such the collection process of the IRS is designed to extract the maximum amount of money for the government in minimum time from you.

Responding to the IRS

When you receive any letter from the IRS about your returns, it does not mean that you are going to jail. It is best if you start acting immediately, as many IRS letters trigger the running of statutory time limitations. If you do not act within the time period set forth in the letter, you may lose very important rights.

Taxpayer Rights

As a taxpayer you have certain rights when you deal with the IRS. The IRS must explain and protect your rights as a taxpayer throughout your dealing with them. If you are not sure, don't talk to the IRS directly. Any information you provide them may hurt your case at a later stage.

Right to Representation

You are not required to deal with the IRS in person. You have the right to be represented by an authorized person such an as Attorney, a CPA or an Enrolled Agent in your dealings with the IRS. If you are in a discussion or audit and you ask to consult a professional, then the IRS must stop and reschedule the discussion, in most cases. You can have someone accompany you at an IRS meeting. You may make sound recordings of any meetings with IRS examination, appeal, or collection personnel, if you inform the IRS in writing 10 days before the meeting.

How the IRS must Treat You

The IRS must treat you in a professional and respectful manner. The IRS must protect your privacy and confidentiality. If the IRS asks you for any information, you have the right to know why the IRS are asking you for information and how they will use it. Keep copies of all correspondence with the IRS. You need not and should not provide original documents. Copies will suffice. You have the right to know what steps the IRS will take if you do not provide them with the requested information. When you correspond with the IRS, it is generally a good idea to use certified mail. This will help you show that you have responded to the IRS within the required time. You don't have to pay more than the correct amount of tax. If you cannot pay all of your tax when it is due, you can request to be permitted to make monthly installment payments. You can compel the IRS to waive penalties when you can show you acted reasonably and in good faith, or relied upon the incorrect advice of an IRS employee. You can appeal any IRS decision on your tax liability and collection action.