Taxpayer Bill of Rights Number 9 – The Right to Retain Representation

Whether you are new to paying taxes or you have been paying taxes for years, there is still so much you may not know, especially regarding taxes and the IRS. The Right to Retain Representation covers and protects you as an ordinary taxpayer. If you are ever concerned about this part of the taxpayer bill of rights or wonder what all it entails, look no further than this quick breakdown, giving you a better understanding of the Right to Retain Representation.

Taxpayer Bill of Rights Number 9, The Right to Retain Representation, is a component of the “Omnibus Taxpayer Bill of Rights” enacted in 1988. Taxpayers have the right to protect themselves through Retention of Representation when dealing with the IRS. Every taxpayer should be well-versed in these rights if they ever need to work with the IRS regarding their taxes. The IRS works diligently to bring these ten rights to the forefront of everyone’s attention. It is essential to know your rights as a taxpayer and the Taxpayer Bill of Rights and how they affect you as an individual. It is expected by the IRS for its employees to have a good understanding of The Taxpayer Bill of Rights and how it affects them and taxpayers.

As mentioned earlier, there are ten fundamental rights taxpayers need to know. This article will closely analyze the taxpayer bill of rights number nine, which is the right to retain representation. As the name suggests, all taxpayers have the right to retain an authorized representative of their choice to represent them when they must face the IRS. If you cannot afford representation, all taxpayers also have a right to seek assistance from a low-income taxpayer clinic. Look at this quick list of what you should expect from this bill of rights.

● You should expect to be able to select a person, such as an attorney, certified public accountant, or enrolled agent, to represent you in an interview with the internal revenue service. You do not have to attend with your representative unless the IRS formally summons you to appear.

● Per your request to consult with a representative, enrolled agent, attorney, or certified public accountant, the IRS must suspend an interview. The IRS will stop an interview only if you request to consult with a representative, such as an attorney, certified public accountant, or an enrolled agent.

● You may have an attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, enrolled actuary, or any other person legally allowed to represent taxpayers before the IRS submit a written power of attorney to represent you. Please note that the person must not be disbarred or suspended from practice if they choose to represent you in front of the IRS.

● Given that your income is below a certain amount, you may be eligible to ask a Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic to be your representative for your tax dispute before the IRS or a federal court. These services can range from free in cost to a reasonable and minimal fee. Many Low-Income Taxpayer Clinics will offer assistance in languages other than English. The goal is to reach all taxpaying citizens regardless of their background. Although Low Income Taxpayer Clinics get partial funding from the IRS, the employees and volunteers all work independently of the IRS.

To recap what was stated above in layman’s terms, look below at a simple description of what else you can expect from the taxpayer bill of rights number nine.

1. You could potentially be eligible to receive assistance from the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic.
2. You could also be eligible to receive service through the help of your state’s volunteer lawyers, certified public accountant, or an enrolled agent.
3. Representatives can highly likely get you an extension of time on your audit or tax case, contingent upon your situation and the quality of your representative.
4. If you are unable to or do not want to, your representative can go in your place to attend an IRS meeting with a power of attorney on file.
5. The IRS cannot for you to participate in the meetings without an original summons.
6. Once you authorize your representative with a capacity of attorney, the internal revenue service is required to contact your power of attorney on file.

The IRS official website has answers to any questions you may have regarding your civil and taxpaying rights. They also have resources to assist best you navigate handling your tax issues or concerns. Low-Income Taxpayer Clinics are also extremely resourceful and can help you find legal help that best fits your budget. 

As a taxpayer, you have rights, and you must know what they all entail. It will only benefit you, in the long run, being knowledgeable about something as important as your right as a taxpayer. The IRS wants you to know these things for a reason. It is to protect you and to make sure that you take advantage of opportunities. Not knowing your rights and benefits with the system can be used against you, and you can end up on the losing end.

The Taxpayer Bill of Rights Number 9 was put in place to protect and provide valuable resources to all taxpayers. They do not aim to discriminate and take many actions to avoid or remedy any instances of such issues. Take advantage of the resources mentioned here if you need assistance regarding the IRS.

The other taxpayer Bill of Rights includes the right to be informed, the right to quality service, the right to pay no more than the correct amount of tax, the right to challenge the IRS’s position and be heard, the right to appeal, and our IRS decision and an independent form, the right to finality, the right to privacy, the right to confidentiality, and the right to a fair and just tax system. These rights work in tandem to provide taxpayers with understandable accessibility in their dealings with the IRS. Look at the IRS’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights to stay informed.