IRS Tax Tip: 2026-34: Every taxpayer has the right to quality service from the IRS

Issue Number: IRS Tax Tip 2026-34

Every taxpayer has the right to quality service from the IRS

All taxpayers have the right to quality service. This is one of 10 core rights within the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Let’s define what this means for taxpayers.

Right to quality service
Taxpayers have the right to:

• Receive prompt, courteous and professional assistance from the IRS
• Be spoken to in a way they can easily understand
• Receive clear and easily understandable communications from the IRS
• Speak to a supervisor about inadequate service

What taxpayers can expect
When taxpayers interact with the IRS, they can expect IRS representatives to:

• Listen objectively. They will consider all relevant information prior to giving the taxpayer an answer.
• Answer questions promptly, accurately and thoroughly
• Give the taxpayer information on recourse options and applicable appeal rights
• Treat people with courtesy
• Generally, only contact taxpayers between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
• Provide the taxpayer with information about how to get help from the Taxpayer Advocate Service in all statutory notices of deficiency
• Provide information about options for legal help if someone is eligible for assistance from a Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic

IRS representatives will not:

• Contact the taxpayer’s employer if they know the employer doesn’t allow such contact
• Make aggressive phone calls that threaten arrest or prison time

Taxpayers can find answers to most tax questions on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can also contact the IRS directly by calling the number on the top right corner of all notices and letters.

More information

• Taxpayer Advocate Service
• Publication 556, Examination of Returns, Appeal Rights, and Claims for Refund
• Forms and publications about your appeal rights
• Publication 594, The IRS Collection Process

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