What the Right to Quality Service means for taxpayers

All taxpayers should know their rights, especially when they're working with the IRS on a tax matter. IRS employees should also be familiar with knowing, observing and protecting taxpayers' rights. The Taxpayer Bill of Rights lists and defines 10 fundamental rights of every taxpayer. On this list is the Right to Quality Service. Let's take a closer look at the Right to Quality Service and what it means for taxpayers 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.

Here are some things taxpayers can expect when working with the IRS: IRS representatives will listen objectively. They will consider all relevant information prior to giving the taxpayer an answer.

IRS representatives will answer questions promptly, accurately and thoroughly, and will give the taxpayer information on recourse and applicable appeal rights.

When collecting tax, IRS representatives will treat people with courtesy.

When contacting taxpayers, the IRS usually only contacts taxpayers between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.

IRS representatives won't contact the taxpayer's employer if they know the employer doesn't allow such contact.

IRS representatives won't make aggressive phone calls that threaten arrest or prison time.

IRS representatives must provide the taxpayer with information about how to get help from the Taxpayer Advocate Service in all statutory notices of deficiency.

If someone is eligible for assistance from a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, the IRS will provide information about options for legal help.

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.

Anyone who needs to pay their federal tax bill has several ways to send a payment to IRS quickly and securely. Knowing the options to make payments helps taxpayers meet their tax obligations.

Here are several ways people who owe taxes can pay it. They can: Pay when they e-file using electronic funds withdrawal to draw the payment directly from their bank account.

Sign into their Online Account to pay their 2022 balance or make estimated tax payments. Taxpayers can also see their payment history, any scheduled or pending payments, and other account details.

Use IRS Direct Pay to pay electronically directly from their checking or savings account. They can choose to receive email notifications about their payments when they pay this way.

Pay using a payment processor by credit card, debit card or digital wallet. Taxpayers can make these payments online for a fee.

Make a cash payment at more than 60,000 participating retail locations nationwide. To pay with cash, taxpayers should visit IRS.gov and follow the instructions.

Pay over time by applying for an online payment agreement. Once the IRS accepts an agreement, taxpayers can make their payment in monthly installments.

For details on these options, people can visit IRS.gov/payments.

Estimated taxes Some taxpayers must make quarterly estimated tax payments throughout the year. This includes individuals, sole proprietors, partners, and S corporation shareholders who expect to owe $1,000 or more when they file. Individuals who participate in the gig economy might also have to make estimated payments.