The U.S.A. Celebrates 250 Years of Freedom – Know Your Rights

Joelle Thomas

This summer will bring plentiful opportunities to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, from concerts to epic fireworks shows to classic cookouts with friends and family. The momentous anniversary also reminds us of all the benefits that American freedom provides.

 

The Declaration of Independence spelled out the ideal of true self-governance. In pursuit of that dream, the U.S. Constitution gave the power to impose taxes solely to Congress, so that everyone with that power must answer directly to the people.

 

However, the rallying cry of “no taxation without representation” did not mean that the founders opposed taxation in every form.

 

George Washington Keeps It Real

In his famed farewell speech of 1796, George Washington reminded the young nation that an effective government must inevitably spend resources, that the resulting debts cannot be repaid without revenue, that revenue is not possible without taxes, and that no tax can be created that is not in some way unpleasant and inconvenient. Rather than chasing the impossible dream of eliminating taxes, a democratic society should focus on making taxation as fair as possible.

 

The Taxpayer Bill of Rights

Thanks to 250 years of commitment to the principles set down by the founders, all of us who pay U.S. taxes have guaranteed rights, including:

  • The right to a fair and just tax system that can be challenged in the courts
  • The right to appeal any IRS decision, and to have that appeal fairly heard
  • The right to retain representation in any and all dealings with the IRS
  • The right to protection against excessive intrusions into our lives by any government agency, including the IRS

No one should ever be afraid to exercise these rights in any tax matter, large or small. To learn more about our protections against unfair treatment by the IRS, you can read the full text of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.

 

So as you soak up the joy of this summer of celebration, take a moment to be grateful for all the freedoms we enjoy, and all those who have sacrificed to preserve those liberties. Stay safe and have fun!