Information a taxpayer gives the IRS won’t be shared with outside parties, unless allowed by the taxpayer or by law. This is the right to confidentiality. It’s one of ten rights known collectively as the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.
The right to confidentiality means:
- The IRS won’t give any information to a third party without permission from the taxpayer.
- The agency can’t contact third parties such as an employer or bank for information unless they give the taxpayer reasonable notice first.
- The same confidentiality a taxpayer has with an attorney also applies to tax professionals working with the IRS on the taxpayer’s behalf.
- Taxpayers have the right to expect appropriate action will be taken against employees, return preparers and others who wrongfully use or disclose taxpayer return information.
