Tax Law Center Blog

By Parag P. Patel, Esq. | Updated January 19, 2023

The Taxpaper Roadmap was recently created by The Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent organization within the IRS. This map illustrates, at a very high level, the stages of a taxpayer’s journey, from getting answers to tax law questions, all the way through audits, appeals, collection, and litigation. It shows the complexity of tax administration, with its connections and overlaps and repetitions between stages.

You can view it online or, if you want your very own 18″ x 18″ poster that’s suitable for framing, call 800-829-3676 and request Publication 5341. 

U.S. tax law is entirely too complex and incomprehensible for the average person. “The Taxpayer Roadmap” purports to illustrate “at a very high level, the stages of a taxpayer’s journey…” As you can see from the map’s numerous twists and turns, the road to IRS compliance is not easy to navigate, even for a tax lawyer. The colorful map looks more like the NYC subway map, which is likely easier to understand (and navigate).

About the Author

Parag P. Patel, Esq. brings over three decades of experience to individuals and businesses facing complex tax problems. Holding advanced degrees from Georgetown University Law Center (J.D.) and New York University School of Law (LL.M. in Tax Law), the nation’s top tax programs, Mr. Patel delivers sophisticated and creative strategies in complicated federal and state audits, penalty abatements, and foreign asset/income reporting. His practice emphasizes international tax matters, specifically foreign financial account reporting (FBAR), voluntary disclosures, and penalty defense.

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