Sep 23, 2026

With the IRS, As with Courts, You're Entitled to Representation

If you're having a problem with the IRS, you have rights! For one, you don’t have to go it alone. You are allowed to have an expert in your corner. Read through for details on the regulations that protect you.

Everyone knows from watching Law & Order or similar shows that you have rights if you get into a legal jam, and the police have to inform you about them. If you have tax problems, you'll be glad to hear, you also have rights.

Indeed, the IRS recently issued a statement reminding taxpayers that when working with the IRS, they have the right to retain an authorized representative of their choice to act on their behalf. This is one of the ten fundamental rights of all taxpayers in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, and taxpayers should review it to understand the rules that protect them.

What taxpayers can expect:

• Taxpayers may select someone to represent them in an interview. This could be an attorney, certified public accountant, or enrolled agent. 
• Any attorney, CPA, enrolled agent or other person permitted to represent a taxpayer before the IRS, who's not disbarred or suspended from practice before the IRS, may submit a written power of attorney to represent a taxpayer before the IRS.
• Taxpayers who retain representation don't have to attend with their representative unless the IRS formally summons them to appear.
• In most situations, the IRS must suspend an interview if the taxpayer requests to consult with a representative. 

So whether you have a problem during tax season or any other time of the year, don't feel you have to go it alone.

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