Publications detail policies, methods of IRS

For those who are preparing for tax time, a variety of publications are available from the Internal Revenue Service. The publications are designed to clarify the agency's policies and cover several taxpayer topis.

?For information on the IRS examination better known as an audit ask for Publication 556, Examination of Returns, Appeal Rights and Claims for Refund.

?If you end up disagreeing with an examiner's findings in an audit situation, you may appeal those findings via the IRS Appeals Office.

For details on how to appeal, request Publication 5, Appeal Rights and Preparation of Protests for Unagreed Cases.

?For information about the collection process and taxpayer rights and responsibilities regarding payment of federal taxes, ask for Publication 594, Understanding the Collection Process.

?Under certain circumstances, an innocent spouse may not have to pay tax, interest and penalties incurred on a joint tax return.

For an explanation of how this works and who qualifies, ask for Publication 971, Innocent Spouse Relief, and Form 8857, Request for Innocent Spouse Relief.

To request forms or publications, call 800-829-3676 (800-829-4059 for TTY/TDD users), check out the IRS Web site at

www.irs.ustreas.gov

or, for additional tax information, call 800-829-1040.