A more detailed look at what the right to be informed means

Tax Tip 2026-41 May 19, 2026

All taxpayers have the right to know what they need to do to comply with tax laws. This is one part of the Right to be Informed, one of the 10 fundamental rights that make up the IRS Taxpayer Bill of Rights.

The right to be informed means taxpayers have the right to:

• Know and understand what they need to do to comply with the tax laws
• Have clear explanations of the laws and IRS procedures in all forms, instructions, publications, notices and correspondence
• Be informed of IRS decisions about their tax accounts
• Receive clear explanations of the outcomes of IRS decisions

To make sure taxpayers are informed, the IRS will:

• Include within certain notices any amount of tax, interest and certain penalties the taxpayer owes.
• Explain why the taxpayer owes any balance due
• Explain the specific reasons why a refund claim was denied
• Post information on IRS.gov to help taxpayers understand their IRS notice or letter
• Send a letter when the agency makes an assessment. That letter must include:
  • Information on how the taxpayer can appeal the decision
  • An explanation of the entire process from audit through collection
  • Details on how the Taxpayer Advocate Service can help
• Send an annual statement to taxpayers who enter into a payment plan, also known as an installment agreement. The statement will include how much the taxpayer:
  • Owes at the beginning of the year
  • Paid during the year
  • Still owes at the end of the year
• Make forms and publications available on IRS.gov.
• Use social media to provide helpful tax information to a wide audience of taxpayers.

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