Every Taxpayer has rights

Ten Forty + Quality Tax Preparation & Financial Services 281-397-7777 Fax 281-397-7443 Tax Tips Know your rights as a taxpayer Did you know that as a taxpayer you have certain rights that are outlined and available to you in the "Taxpayer Bill of Rights?" In a 2012 taxpayer survey, only 46 percent of participants indicated that they believed they had rights before the IRS. The fact that so many taxpayers were unaware of their rights was one of the reasons the IRS worked to bring the Taxpayer Bill of Rights to American taxpayers in 2015. The Bill includes these ten basic rights. 1. The Right to Be Informed. Taxpayers have the right to know what is needed to comply with the tax law. They are entitled to clear explanations of the law and IRS procedures. 2. The Right to Quality Service. Taxpayers have the right to receive prompt, courteous, and professional assistance in dealings with the IRS. Communications must be easily understandable. 3. The Right to Pay No More than the Correct Amount of Tax. Taxpayers have the right to pay only legally due tax, including interest and penalties, and to have all tax payments applied properly. 4. The Right to Challenge the IRS's Position and Be Heard. Taxpayers have the right to raise objections and provide additional documentation in response to IRS actions. 5. The Right to Appeal an IRS Decision in an Independent Forum. Taxpayers are entitled to a fair and impartial administrative appeal of most IRS decisions. They generally have the right to take cases to court. 6. The Right to Finality. Taxpayers have the right to know the time allowed for challenging the position of the IRS and when an audit is finished. 7. The Right to Privacy. Taxpayers have the right to expect that any IRS action will comply with the law and be no more intrusive than necessary. 8. The Right to Confidentiality. Taxpayers have the right to expect that any information they provide to the IRS will not be disclosed unless authorized. 9. The Right to Retain Representation. Taxpayers have the right to retain an authorized representative to represent them in their dealings with the IRS. 10. The Right to a Fair and Just Tax System. Taxpayers have the right to expect consideration of facts and circumstances that might affect their situation. Please call us if you have any questions. 2016 Tax Extension Deadlines are approaching. Go to www.tenfortyplus.com and complete your online organizer (under forms and documents). Make your appointment using our online appointment system. Call 281-397-7777 and get a user id with password set up so you can send us all your information through our online secure portal and do your taxes from the comfort of your home or office or come see us at our office. 1040 + Quality Tax Preparation & Financial Services Joseph C Becker EA www.tenfortyplus.com 281-397-7777, Fax 281-397-7443 joeb@tenfortyplus.com Contact Us There are many events that occur during the year that can affect your tax situation. Preparation of your tax return involves summarizing transactions and events that occurred during the prior year. In most situations, treatment is firmly established at the time the transaction occurs. However, negative tax effects can be avoided by proper planning. Please contact us in advance if you have questions about the tax effects of a transaction or event, including the following: • Pension or IRA distributions. • Retirement. • Significant change in income or • Notice from IRS or other deductions. Revenue department. • Job change. • Divorce or separation. • Marriage. • Self-employment. • Attainment of age 59½ or 70½. • Charitable contributions • Sale or purchase of a business property in excess of $5,000. • Sale or purchase of a residence or other real estate.