Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

By Melissa Cook Reviewed by Minh Tong Updated Feb 14, 2023
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is a U.S. government agency that is responsible for the collection of taxes and enforcement of tax laws. The IRS is part of the Department of the Treasury and was established in 1862. 

The agency is responsible for collecting federal income tax from individuals, corporations, and other businesses, as well as for enforcing tax laws, ensuring compliance, and conducting audits.

The IRS is responsible for administering and enforcing federal tax laws, including the collection of taxes, the administration of tax credits, and the enforcement of tax penalties. The agency is also responsible for processing tax returns, conducting audits, and collecting taxes owed. In addition, the IRS is responsible for educating taxpayers on their rights and responsibilities, and providing guidance on tax-related issues.

The IRS collects a wide range of taxes, including individual income taxes, payroll taxes, and business taxes. These taxes are used to fund the federal government, which provides a variety of services, including national defense, infrastructure, and social programs. The IRS also administers tax credits, such as the earned income tax credit, which helps low- and moderate-income individuals and families.

The IRS also plays a role in enforcing tax laws and ensuring compliance. The agency conducts audits of taxpayers to ensure that they are accurately reporting their income and paying the correct amount of taxes. The IRS can also impose penalties and fines for tax non-compliance, and even take legal action against individuals and businesses who violate tax laws.

In addition to its role in tax collection and enforcement, the IRS also provides support and assistance to taxpayers. The agency offers a variety of resources, including publications, forms, and tax-related tools, to help taxpayers understand and comply with their tax obligations. The IRS also provides assistance through its toll-free hotline, in-person assistance at local offices, and online services.

The IRS also has a key role in safeguarding taxpayer information. The agency is required to protect taxpayer information from unauthorized access or disclosure, and is responsible for implementing measures to ensure the security and privacy of taxpayer information. The IRS also investigates and prosecutes individuals who engage in fraudulent or illegal activities involving taxpayer information.


melissacook

Melissa Cook

Melissa has a degree in English and marketing from University of California Irvine. She is a creative and accomplished content writer and editor with comprehensive experience developing rich, compelling content for a variety of websites. With her expertise in writing a broad range of content, combined with outstanding interpersonal skills and commitment to exploring innovative ideas, Melissa has done an excellent job developing content for blogs, articles, social media, and the company website. When she is not writing, Melissa spends most of her time cooking, traveling the world, and catching her favorite Broadway shows.