Taxpayer Rights: What You Need to Know If You Get Audited

The three most intimidating letters of the alphabet for most Americans are I-R-S. Very few things strike more fear in a taxpayer's heart than the thought of being audited by the Internal Revenue Service.

For years, reports of abuse of power and poor treatment from the IRS ran rampant. That led Congress to pass two Taxpayer Bill of Rights in the 1990's.

These rights cover the basics, such as placing the burden of proof in tax disputes on the IRS (not the taxpayer). But they don't tell the whole story. So today we'll reveal the real rules of engagement so you understand the rights that will help you deal with the IRS should you receive that dreaded letter or phone call.