The Internal Revenue Service 5/21/2010
What is the Internal Revenue Service?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) helps America's taxpayers understand and meet their tax responsibilities. The IRS is organized to carry out the responsibilities of the Secretary of the Treasury under section 7801 of the Internal Revenue Code. The secretary has full authority to administer and enforce the internal revenue laws and has the power to create an agency to enforce these laws. The IRS was created based on this legislative grant.
Did you know?
The roots of the IRS go back to the Civil War when President Lincoln and Congress, in 1862, created the position of commissioner of Internal Revenue and enacted an income tax to pay war expenses.
60% of the nation's individual taxpayers are eligible for free online tax preparation software and free electronic filing.
In 2004, the IRS processed more than 224 million tax returns.
The IRS provides three primary services:
Pre-Filing Services—Provides taxpayer service before the return is filed to assist in the filing of a correct return. IRS continues to emphasize taxpayer education, outreach, increased volunteer support time and locations, expanding pre-filing agreements and rulings, and enhancing pre-filing customer support through electronic media.
Filing Services— Provides taxpayer service in processing filed returns and paying taxes, including electronic filing and payment. IRS continues to make progress in decreasing paper returns and increasing the use of electronic filing and payment methods. IRS is also increasing both the capacity and effectiveness of its telephone and in-person taxpayer support.
Post-Filing Services—Applies tax laws and enforces compliance. IRS interacts with taxpayers after a return is or should have been filed to identify underreporting, non-filing, and non-payment. IRS continues to focus on improving the quality of examinations and investigations, increasing customer and employee satisfaction, increasing offers in compromise, and increasing case closures.
How can I learn more about the IRS?
Online, visit the IRS web site at www.irs.gov .
By phone, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
During Tax Filing Season, you can call the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine for free tax preparation sites for low income individuals and families. Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588.