Introduction
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the agency of the federal government that is responsible for collecting taxes. It enforces tax rules and regulations and provides taxpayer assistance.
In the United States, paying taxes is a civic duty. The government uses the tax revenues to fund public goods and services, such as infrastructure, social safety net programs, and national defense.
However, navigating the tax system can be overwhelming, especially for those who are new to it. In this article, we provide a quick guide to the IRS, including its history, functions, and services. We also discuss some of the common issues and questions that taxpayers may have.
History of the IRS
The roots of the IRS can be traced back to the Civil War. In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Revenue Act, which created the Bureau of Internal Revenue. Its job was to collect taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and other goods.
Over time, the agency’s responsibilities expanded, and it became known as the Internal Revenue Service in 1953. Today, the IRS is part of the Department of the Treasury, and it administers the tax laws passed by Congress.
Functions of the IRS
The IRS has several primary functions: enforcing the tax laws, providing taxpayer assistance, and collecting taxes.
Enforcing the tax laws
One of the most critical functions of the IRS is to enforce the tax laws. The agency is responsible for ensuring that taxpayers comply with the tax rules and regulations.
To achieve this, the IRS conducts audits, investigations, and enforcement actions. Audits are examinations of taxpayers’ returns to verify that the information reported is accurate and complete. Investigations are inquiries into suspected tax fraud or evasion. Enforcement actions are legal proceedings, such as seizing assets or pursuing criminal charges, against those who violate the tax laws.
Providing taxpayer assistance
The IRS also provides a wide range of services to help taxpayers fulfill their obligations and understand the tax system. Some of these services are:
– Taxpayer Education: The IRS provides educational resources, such as publications, videos, and webinars, on various tax topics.
– Free Tax Return Preparation: Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, the IRS offers free tax return preparation services to eligible taxpayers.
– Taxpayer Advocacy: The IRS Office of the Taxpayer Advocate helps taxpayers resolve issues with the IRS and recommends changes to the tax system to improve its fairness and efficiency.
Collecting taxes
The IRS is responsible for collecting the taxes owed by individuals, businesses, and other entities. The agency uses various methods to collect taxes, such as:
– Withholding: Employers withhold taxes from employees’ paychecks and remit them to the IRS on their behalf.
– Estimated tax payments: Individuals and businesses that do not have taxes withheld must make quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS.
– Tax liens and levies: If a taxpayer fails to pay the taxes owed, the IRS can place a lien on their property or seize their assets to satisfy the debt.
IRS Services
The IRS provides a wide range of services to taxpayers, including assistance with tax preparation, filing, and payment.
Tax Preparation
The IRS offers different options for tax preparation, from free self-preparation to professional assistance. Some of these services are:
– IRS Free File: The IRS offers a free online tax preparation and filing service for eligible taxpayers. Taxpayers can access Free File through the IRS website or by using the IRS2Go mobile app.
– Taxpayer Assistance Centers: The IRS operates Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) in various locations where taxpayers can get in-person help with their tax issues. TACs offer services such as tax return preparation, account inquiries, and payment arrangements.
– Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): The VITA program offers free tax preparation and filing services to low- and moderate-income taxpayers, people with disabilities, and non-English speakers. VITA sites are located in libraries, community centers, and other public facilities, and they are staffed by IRS-certified volunteers.
Tax Filing
Taxpayers must file their tax returns with the IRS by the April 15th deadline each year. However, some taxpayers may get an extension of time to file if they meet certain requirements. The IRS provides several ways to file tax returns, such as:
– E-filing: Taxpayers can file their federal tax returns electronically using approved software or a tax preparer. E-filing is faster, more accurate, and more secure than paper filing.
– Free File Fillable Forms: Taxpayers who prefer to prepare their returns manually can use Free File Fillable Forms, an online tool that guides them through the process.
– Paper Filing: Taxpayers can still file their returns on paper and mail them to the IRS. However, paper filing takes longer to process, and it may increase the risk of errors or fraud.
Tax Payment
Taxpayers must pay the taxes they owe by the April 15th deadline, regardless of whether they file their returns electronically or on paper. The IRS offers different payment options to make it easier for taxpayers to pay their taxes. Some of these options are:
– Direct Pay: Taxpayers can use the IRS Direct Pay service to pay their taxes online directly from their bank account. Direct Pay is free of charge, and taxpayers can schedule their payments in advance.
– Credit or Debit Card Payment: Taxpayers can pay their taxes using a credit or debit card through an approved payment processor. However, payment processors charge fees for this service.
– Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW): Taxpayers who e-file their returns can pay their taxes electronically by authorizing the IRS to withdraw the amount due from their bank account. EFW is free of charge, and taxpayers receive a confirmation of their payment.
Common IRS Issues and Questions
Dealing with the IRS can be stressful, especially when taxpayers face issues or have questions about their taxes. Here are some of the common issues and questions that taxpayers may have and how they can address them.
I Received an IRS Notice, What Should I Do?
IRS notices are letters or forms that the agency sends to taxpayers to inform them of issues or changes in their tax account. Taxpayers should read the notice carefully and follow the instructions provided. Some notices require immediate action, such as paying a balance due or responding to an audit request.
If taxpayers do not understand the notice or disagree with its information or findings, they can contact the IRS using the phone number or address provided on the notice. Taxpayers should have their tax return and notice on hand when they call or write to the IRS.
I Can’t Pay My Taxes. What Should I Do?
Taxpayers who cannot pay their taxes in full by the April 15th deadline can still file their returns on time and pay what they can. The IRS will send a balance due notice after it receives the return.
Taxpayers who need more time to pay can request an installment agreement, which allows them to pay their taxes in monthly installments. The IRS offers several types of installment agreements, depending on the amount owed and the taxpayer’s financial situation. However, installment agreements incur interest and penalties on the unpaid balance.
Taxpayers who are experiencing financial hardship or other extenuating circumstances may qualify for an offer in compromise. This program allows taxpayers to settle with the IRS for less than the full amount of taxes owed. However, offers in compromise are subject to stringent eligibility criteria, and not all taxpayers are eligible.
Conclusion
The IRS plays a critical role in the US tax system. It enforces the tax laws, provides taxpayer assistance, and collects taxes. The agency offers various services to help taxpayers fulfill their tax obligations and navigate the tax system.
However, dealing with the IRS can be overwhelming, and taxpayers may face issues or questions. Understanding the IRS’s functions and services can help taxpayers address their problems and comply with the tax laws. By following the guidelines and using the resources provided by the IRS, taxpayers can fulfill their civic duty and contribute to the public good.
The Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, is a government agency of the United States that collects state and income taxes from people and businesses. Generally, people pay their taxes once a year to the IRS. The process of paying taxes is known as filing taxes.
This is completed by filling out certain forms and paperwork that are created by the IRS and are expected to be turned into the government no later than April 15th of every year. Â As a section of the Department of the Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service calculates tax rates based on a sliding scale, allowing those who make more or less income to pay accordingly.
For individuals who receive a pay check, the Internal Revenue Service takes out an estimated tax amount per check. If filed correctly, and timely, a refund may be granted due to the estimation of the IRS being incorrect. However, if the estimation is incorrect, and an individual owes money to the government, they must pay the Internal Revenue Service in a prompt manner.
The tax is based off of net income, which is the amount one receives after all other deductions are made. Â If in individual falls below the poverty line, they may not be required to pay an IRS tax at all. For those who make a large amount of income annually, may choose to write off some portion of their income as tax write-offs. Due to this, the middle class generally is the high contributors of the IRS tax.
