Taxpayer Bill of Rights #8: The Right to Confidentiality

          The Taxpayer Bill of Rights describes how the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) interacts with all Taxpayers. We should be aware of the rights that we have. Among them is The Right to Confidentiality.

          You should have the expectation that what you provide to the IRS will never be shared, unless authorized by you, or by law. Appropriate action will be taken against employees, return preparers, or others who wrongfully use this information. The IRS will only contact your bank or employer to try and get more information to adjust the tax you owe if it is necessary and they give advance notice. The tax communication you have with your Qualified Tax Professional is generally given the same protection as communication with an attorney. This protection is voided if the conversation is about criminal matters.

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