Taxpayer Rights Help Center
Plain-language answers to the questions we hear most — every answer linked to official IRS and Taxpayer Advocate Service guidance.
Every taxpayer has ten fundamental rights, including the rights to be informed, to quality service, to pay no more than the correct amount of tax, to challenge the IRS's position and be heard, and to a fair and just tax system. These are known as the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.
IRS — Taxpayer Bill of RightsDon't ignore it. Read the notice carefully — it explains why the IRS is contacting you and what to do next. Most notices have a response deadline. You don't have to face it alone: free help is available through VITA sites and Low Income Taxpayer Clinics.
IRS — Understanding Your IRS Notice or LetterYou still have options. The IRS offers payment plans (installment agreements), and in some situations an Offer in Compromise or a temporary delay of collection. Filing on time — even if you can't pay — reduces penalties.
IRS — Payment Plans / Installment AgreementsYes. You have the right to appeal most IRS decisions in an independent forum and to take your case to court. The IRS Independent Office of Appeals resolves disputes without litigation.
IRS — Independent Office of AppealsGuard your Social Security number, file early, use strong passwords, and watch for signs like a rejected e-filed return or IRS letters about income you never earned. You can also request an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS.
IRS — Identity Theft CentralLITCs are independent organizations that provide free or low-cost taxpayer rights education, outreach, and assistance to eligible taxpayers. Clinics receive federal grants but operate independently of the IRS. Royalty Tax Consultants is a verified 2026 LITC grant recipient.
Taxpayer Advocate Service — Low Income Taxpayer ClinicsGenerally, taxpayers whose income falls below certain guidelines and who have a tax dispute with the IRS may qualify. LITCs also provide education and outreach to taxpayers who speak English as a second language.
IRS — Low Income Taxpayer ClinicsThe IRS publishes tax information in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, Haitian Creole, French, Portuguese, and more. Visit our Taxpayer Rights in Your Language page for curated multilingual resources.
IRS — Multilingual ResourcesYou can request a free VITA appointment through our website, submit an LITC referral, or call us at (717) 678-5107. We'll help you understand your options and connect you with the right resource.
Royalty Tax Consultants — Request an AppointmentThe Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers resolve problems and protects taxpayer rights. Its help is always free.
Taxpayer Advocate Service