The taxpayer bill of rights was a piece of legislation that was passed by congress in the mid 1990’s that was shockingly condemned by many in the media. The root of this condemnation was never really specified, so the rationale behind the condemnation did not cause any change in the legislation. Essentially, the taxpayer bill of rights binds the IRS to certain inalienable agreements with the taxpayer that can never be countermanded.

Items included in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights include the mandate that the IRS must respond to inquiries within a reasonable amount of time, the IRS must provide clear and concise explanations as to what they want in writing as well as provide how the taxpayer must respond to the request, among many other rights. Again, it is shocking that there are those that would oppose an extension of basic civil liberties to the taxpayer.

So, when it comes to dealing with the IRS, taxpayers have many rights available to them that will swing the ball in their favor when dealing with the taxman. In that regard, don’t sweat tax problems so much.