IRS Privacy Policy

MATERIAL
FIRST SEEN 2026-08-15 · VERSION 20260815_rev01 · COMPARED WITH 20260814_rev01

What changed, in plain language

The IRS privacy page went from a short intro with empty section headings to the full policy text. Most of the new wording restates long-standing tax and privacy law rather than creating new powers, but taxpayers can now see it: the IRS says it uses AI for services, compliance, and fraud detection; it lists the many agencies and even foreign governments it can share tax return information with under Code section 6103; and it explains that staying in an IRS meeting counts as consenting to being recorded. The page also adds clear promises that the IRS does not sell your information and will ask consent before using it for a new purpose.

Changes that may affect you

Wide list of agencies and foreign governments that can receive your tax informationMATERIAL
DATA SHARING

The policy now names many places your tax return information can go without your permission: the Justice Department, state and city tax offices, Treasury and its outside contractors, committees of Congress, child support agencies, agencies checking benefits or student loans, foreign governments under tax treaties, and law enforcement and intelligence agencies. This sharing comes from tax law (Code section 6103) and is not a new power the IRS gave itself, but it is newly spelled out here, so many readers will be seeing it for the first time.

“We may also disclose this information to other countries under a tax treaty, to federal and state agencies to enforce federal nontax criminal laws, or to federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies to combat terrorism.”

What you can do — Assume anything on your return may be shared with these bodies. If you think your information was shared improperly, you can ask the IRS for an accounting of disclosures under the Privacy Act or file a complaint with the Treasury Senior Agency Official for Privacy.

Silence counts as consent to being recorded in IRS meetingsMINOR
USER OBLIGATIONS

If the IRS records a meeting you are in, it will announce it, but simply staying in the meeting is treated as your agreement. The only listed way to say no is to leave, which could mean giving up a meeting about your own tax account. The recordings are kept as federal records.

“By joining and staying in the recorded meeting, you consent to the recording. To opt out of recording, you may leave a recorded meeting.”

What you can do — If you do not want to be recorded, say so at the start or leave the meeting. For an in-person meeting about your tax account, tell the IRS in advance if you want to make your own recording, as allowed under IRC 7521(a).

AI is used in compliance and fraud detection workMINOR
OTHER

The IRS now says it uses AI in services, compliance activities, and fraud detection. It promises human oversight, that AI will not decide matters affecting your rights or obligations on its own, and that your appeal rights stay intact. The page does not say which systems use AI, how to find out if AI touched your case, or how to challenge an AI-flagged result beyond the normal appeal process.

“AI does not replace human judgment in decisions affecting taxpayer rights, benefits, or obligations.”

What you can do — If an IRS notice or audit seems wrong, use the normal appeal and Taxpayer Advocate channels; those rights are unchanged by the AI language.

Open-ended duty to keep your own recordsMINOR
DATA RETENTION

The policy states you must keep books or records tied to a tax form for as long as their contents could matter for administering tax law. There is no fixed end date, so this can stretch well beyond the usual three-year window in some situations.

“Books or records relating to a form, or its instructions must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any Internal Revenue law.”

What you can do — Keep tax records for at least seven years, and keep records tied to property or investments until several years after you sell.

Changelog

  1. ± CHANGEDThe full privacy policy is now published instead of empty headings

    The old page had a short welcome note and four empty section titles (overview, compliance programs, Privacy Act requests, complaints). The new page replaces them with the complete policy text covering collection, use, sharing, security, AI, and meeting recordings.

    ## IRS privacy policy overview

    All personal information you provide to us is voluntary. We may collect personal information about you (such as name, email address, Social Security number or other unique identifier) only if you specifically and knowingly provide it to us.

  2. + ADDEDIRS now discloses that it uses AI for services, compliance, and fraud detection

    A new section says the IRS uses artificial intelligence to automate or help with certain services, compliance work, fraud detection, and admin tasks. It also says AI does not replace human judgment on decisions about your rights or obligations, that human oversight and appeal rights stay in place, and that your data stays protected by the Privacy Act and tax confidentiality law.

    We use artificial intelligence (AI) to automate or assist with certain services, compliance activities, fraud detection, and administrative functions.

  3. − REMOVED"AI-assisted content" label removed from the top of the page

    The banner saying the page content itself was written with AI help and verified by the IRS is gone.

    **AI-assisted content** verified by the IRS

  4. + ADDEDLong list of who the IRS can share your tax information with

    The page now spells out the sharing allowed under Code section 6103: the Justice Department, states and cities, U.S. territories, Treasury and its contractors, the Comptroller General, committees of Congress, child support agencies, other federal agencies checking benefit eligibility or loans, foreign governments under tax treaties, and law enforcement and intelligence agencies fighting terrorism.

    However, Code section 6103 allows or requires the Internal Revenue Service to disclose or give the information shown on your tax return to others as described in the Code.

  5. + ADDEDStaying in an IRS meeting counts as agreeing to be recorded

    New rules for online and in-person meetings: the IRS may record, will tell participants it is recording, and treats your continued presence as consent. Your only way to opt out is to leave. Recordings become federal records. For in-person meetings about your tax account, you can also ask to record if you give the IRS notice first.

    By joining and staying in the recorded meeting, you consent to the recording. To opt out of recording, you may leave a recorded meeting.

  6. + ADDEDNew promises: no selling of data, and consent before new uses

    The policy now states plainly that the IRS does not sell any information it collects, that you can browse the site without giving personal information, and that it will ask your permission before using your information for a purpose other than the one it was collected for, unless federal law requires it.

    We do not sell the information collected at this site or any other information we collect.

  7. + ADDEDPenalties spelled out for not filing or giving false information

    The page now states that failing to file, refusing to give requested information, or giving fraudulent information can lead to penalties, criminal prosecution, denied deductions or credits, a bigger tax bill, delayed refunds, and interest. It also says you must keep records tied to a form as long as they could matter for tax law.

    If you do not file a return, do not provide the information we ask for, or provide fraudulent information, you may be charged penalties and be subject to criminal prosecution.

  8. + ADDEDWebsite security monitoring described

    The policy now explains that the IRS watches network traffic for attempts to damage or tamper with the site, and does not try to identify individual visitors unless it suspects illegal behavior.

    No attempts are made to identify individual users unless illegal behavior is suspected.

  9. + ADDEDOne "umbrella" Privacy Act notice covers a whole series of contacts

    The IRS explains that instead of repeating the same Privacy Act notice in every letter, the first letter in a series includes a notice that applies to all later questions about that same matter.

    the IRS has adopted an "umbrella" approach where the first contact of a series includes a notice that the individual may keep and that would apply to all future inquiries related to that situation

  10. + ADDEDTaxpayer burden estimates and a way to comment on forms

    Neutral additions: average time and cost to file a Form 1040 (about 13 hours and $270, more for business filers), plus a web page and mailing address for suggesting simpler forms.

    the estimated average time burden for all taxpayers filing a Form 1040 or 1040SR is 13 hours, with an average cost of $270 per return

Full text changes — 20260814_rev01 to 20260815_rev01

COLOUR MARKS THE SEVERITY OF A FLAGGED CLAUSE · + AND − MARK ADDED AND REMOVED

1**AI-assisted content** verified by the IRS
1All personal information you provide to us is voluntary. We may collect personal information about you (such as name, email address, Social Security number or other unique identifier) only if you specifically and knowingly provide it to us. We will use your information to process requests for certain services or information. Providing your information is generally voluntary, but if it is not provided, we might not be able to process your transaction. When information is required, we will let you know before we collect it. We publish specific information on records the IRS may collect in the IRS Privacy Act System of Records Notices on the [U.S. Department of the Treasury System of Records Notices](https://home.treasury.gov/footer/privacy-act/system-of-records-notices-sorns) page.
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3Thank you for visiting the Internal Revenue Service's website, an official United States Government System, and reviewing our privacy policy. Our privacy policy explains how we handle the personally identifiable information (PII) that you provide to us when you visit us online to browse, obtain information, or conduct a transaction. PII includes information that is personal in nature and which might be used to identify you. The IRS uses this website to provide information about IRS services and programs. This website includes specific applications which provide more services or enable us to respond to specific questions from website visitors.
3We collect PII and other information only as necessary to administer our programs under the authority of the Internal Revenue Code and the protections of the Code and the Privacy Act. The information you provide will be used only for that purpose. We do not sell the information collected at this site or any other information we collect. You do not have to give us personal information to visit our website. For more information on authority, visit [The agency, its mission and statutory authority](https://irs.gov/about-irs/the-agency-its-mission-and-statutory-authority) page. We publish specific information on the purpose and authority for records the IRS may collect in the IRS Privacy Act System of Records Notices on the [U.S. Department of the Treasury System of Records Notices](https://home.treasury.gov/footer/privacy-act/system-of-records-notices-sorns) page.
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5We won't collect personal information about you just because you visit this Internet site. Some applications on this website provide you with the opportunity to order forms, ask questions requiring a response, sign up for electronic newsletters, participate in focus groups and customer surveys, or learn the status of filed returns or anticipated payments. Using these services is voluntary and may require that you provide additional personal information to us. Providing the requested information implies your consent for us to use this data in order to respond to your specific request.
5Throughout our website, we will let you know if the information we ask you to provide is voluntary or required. By providing your personal information, you give us consent to use the information only for the purpose for which it was collected. We describe those purposes when we collect information. We will ask for your consent before using the information you provide for any secondary purpose other than those required by federal law. We will disclose your information only authorized by law and as listed in the routine uses published in the IRS Privacy Act System of Records Notices on the [U.S. Department of the Treasury System of Records Notices](https://home.treasury.gov/footer/privacy-act/system-of-records-notices-sorns) page.
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7## IRS privacy policy overview
7We use artificial intelligence (AI) to automate or assist with certain services, compliance activities, fraud detection, and administrative functions. We evaluate AI systems through established privacy, security, and risk management processes consistent with federal law and regulatory guidance, including applicable privacy, civil liberties, and cybersecurity requirements. AI does not replace human judgment in decisions affecting taxpayer rights, benefits, or obligations. AI operates under human oversight that preserves established review and appeal processes that preserve your due process protections. Your information remains protected when used in AI-supported processes, as required by the Privacy Act and federal tax confidentiality laws, including 26 U.S.C. § 6103. AI may use your information only for authorized purposes.
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9## Privacy compliance programs
9We protect your information in a secure and readily accessible environment. We also monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information or otherwise cause damage to the web service. We focus on web site security so that this service remains available to you and other visitors. No attempts are made to identify individual users unless illegal behavior is suspected. For more information on security, visit our [Security of your information](https://irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/security-of-your-information) page.
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11## Privacy Act requests
11The various inquiries made of individuals by the IRS during tax administration are part of a single process. Rather than include the same Privacy Act notice information in many forms or letters that are repeated contacts with the same individual about the same situation, the IRS has adopted an "umbrella" approach where the first contact of a series includes a notice that the individual may keep and that would apply to all future inquiries related to that situation. This approach spares the recipient from receiving repetitious and unnecessary identical notices.
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13## Privacy complaints
13#### Disclosure, Privacy Act, and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice
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15The IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, the Privacy Act of 1974, and the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 require that when we ask you for information, we must first tell you our legal right to ask for the information, why we are asking for it, and how it will be used. We must also tell you what could happen if we do not receive it and whether your response is voluntary, required to obtain a benefit, or mandatory under the law.
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17This notice applies to all records and other material (in paper or electronic format) you file with us, including this tax return. It also applies to any questions we need to ask you so we can complete, correct, or process your return; figure your tax; and collect tax, interest, or penalties.
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19Our legal right to ask for information is Internal Revenue Code sections 6001, 6011, and 6012(a), and their regulations. They say that you must file a return or statement with us for any tax you are liable for. Your response is mandatory under these sections. Code section 6109 requires you to provide your identifying number on the return. This is so we know who you are and can process your return and other papers. You must fill in all parts of the tax form that apply to you. But you do not have to check the boxes for the Presidential Election Campaign Fund or for the third-party designee. You also do not have to provide your daytime phone number or email address.
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21You are not required to provide the information requested on a form that is subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act unless the form displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a form, or its instructions must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any Internal Revenue law.
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23We ask for tax return information to carry out the tax laws of the United States. We need it to figure and collect the right amount of tax.
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25If you do not file a return, do not provide the information we ask for, or provide fraudulent information, you may be charged penalties and be subject to criminal prosecution. We may also have to disallow the exemptions, exclusions, credits, deductions, or adjustments shown on the tax return. This could make the tax higher or delay any refund. Interest may also be charged.
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27Generally, tax returns and return information are confidential, as stated in Code section 6103. However, Code section 6103 allows or requires the Internal Revenue Service to disclose or give the information shown on your tax return to others as described in the Code. For example, we may disclose your tax information to the Department of Justice to enforce the tax laws, both civil and criminal, and to cities, states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. commonwealths or territories to carry out their tax laws. We may disclose your tax information to the Department of Treasury and contractors for tax administration purposes; and to other persons as necessary to obtain information needed to determine the amount of or to collect the tax you owe. We may disclose your tax information to the Comptroller General of the United States to permit the Comptroller General to review the Internal Revenue Service. We may disclose your tax information to committees of Congress; federal, state, and local child support agencies; and to other federal agencies for the purposes of determining entitlement for benefits or the eligibility for and the repayment of loans. We may also disclose this information to other countries under a tax treaty, to federal and state agencies to enforce federal nontax criminal laws, or to federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies to combat terrorism.
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29Please keep this notice with your records. It may help you if we ask you for other information. If you have questions about the rules for filing and giving information, please call or visit any Internal Revenue Service office.
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31#### We welcome comments on forms
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33We try to create forms and instructions that can be easily understood. Often this is difficult to do because our tax laws are very complex. For some people with income mostly from wages, filling in the forms is easy. For others who have businesses, pensions, stocks, rental income, or other investments, it is more difficult.
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35If you have suggestions for making these forms simpler, we would be happy to hear from you. You can send us comments through [IRS.gov/formscomments](https://irs.gov/forms-pubs/comment-on-tax-forms-and-publications). Or you can send your comments to Internal Revenue Service, Tax Forms and Publications Division, 1111 Constitution Ave. NW, IR6526, Washington, DC 20224. Don't send your return to this address. Instead, see the addresses at the end of these instructions.
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37Although we can't respond individually to each comment received, we do appreciate your feedback and will consider your comments as we revise our tax forms and instructions.
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39#### Estimates of taxpayer burden
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41The following table shows burden estimates based on current statutory requirements as of November 2023 for taxpayers filing a 2023 Form 1040 or 1040SR tax return. Time spent and out-of-pocket costs are presented separately. Time burden is broken out by taxpayer activity, with recordkeeping representing the largest component. Out-of-pocket costs include any expenses incurred by taxpayers to prepare and submit their tax returns. Examples include tax return preparation and submission fees, postage and photocopying costs, and tax return preparation software costs. While these estimates don't include burden associated with post-filing activities, IRS operational data indicate that electronically prepared and filed returns have fewer arithmetic errors, implying lower post-filing burden.
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43Reported time and cost burdens are national averages and don't necessarily reflect a "typical" case. Most taxpayers experience lower than average burden, with taxpayer burden varying considerably by taxpayer type. For instance, the estimated average time burden for all taxpayers filing a Form 1040 or 1040SR is 13 hours, with an average cost of $270 per return. This average includes all associated forms and schedules, across all tax return preparation methods and taxpayer activities.
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45Within this estimate, there is significant variation in taxpayer activity. For example, nonbusiness taxpayers are expected to have an average burden of about 9 hours and $150, while business taxpayers are expected to have an average burden of about 24 hours and $560. Similarly, tax return preparation fees and other out-of-pocket costs vary extensively depending on the tax situation of the taxpayer, the type of software or professional preparer used, and the geographic location.
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47For more information on taxpayer burden see Pub. 5743. If you have comments concerning the time and cost estimates below, you can contact us at either one of the addresses shown under We Welcome Comments on Forms.
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49Estimated average taxpayer burden (in hours) for individuals by activity
50| Type of taxpayer | Percentage of returns | Total time\* | Record-keeping | Tax planning | Form completion and submission | All other | Average cost (dollars)\*\* |
51| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
52| All taxpayers | 100% | 13 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 1 | $270 |
53| Nonbusiness taxpayers\*\*\* | 72% | 9 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | $150 |
54| Business taxpayers\*\*\* | 28% | 24 | 12 | 4 | 6 | 2 | $560 |
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56\*Detail may not add to total time due to rounding.
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58\*\*Dollars rounded to the nearest $10.
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60\*\*\*You are considered a "business" filer if you file one or more of the following with Form 1040 or 1040-SR: Schedule C, E, or F or Form 2106. You are considered a "nonbusiness" filer if you don't file any of those schedules or forms with Form 1040 or 1040-SR.
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62The IRS is committed to protecting the privacy rights of America's taxpayers. These rights are protected by the [Internal Revenue Code](https://uscode.house.gov/), the [Privacy Act of 1974](https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2010-title5/html/USCODE-2010-title5-partI-chap5-subchapII-sec552a.htm), the [Freedom of Information Act](https://irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/irs-freedom-of-information-act), and IRS policies and practices. We document much of our internal policy on these laws in Internal Revenue Manual 10.5, Privacy and Information Protection, and IRM 11.3, Disclosure of Official Information.
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64The law requires the IRS to protect your information, and you do not need to take any action or make a special request for us to protect your confidentiality. The IRS may not disclose tax returns or return information unless authorized by law. We monitor all accesses, with any unauthorized access subject to criminal and civil penalties.
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66The Senior Agency Official for Privacy (SAOP), as mandated by OMB M-16-24, has overall responsibility and accountability for ensuring the agency's implementation of information privacy protections, including the agency's full compliance with federal laws, regulations, and policies relating to information privacy. The [SAOP for the IRS](https://home.treasury.gov/footer/privacy-act) is positioned at the Department of Treasury.
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68We protect your privacy in online and in-person meetings just as we do with all other interactions. We make sure we authenticate all attendees' identity, their authorization to be in the meeting, and their need to know. The IRS might need to record a meeting you attend, with your consent. Designated IRS hosts may record meetings. If we do so, we will notify all participants we are recording. By joining and staying in the recorded meeting, you consent to the recording. To opt out of recording, you may leave a recorded meeting. If this is an in-person meeting about your tax account, we follow [IRC 7521(a)](https://irc.bloombergtax.com/public/uscode/doc/irc/section_7521). In such a meeting, you may request to record, with prior notice to the IRS, and the IRS may also record. All such recordings become federal records, which we protect and keep following federal privacy, security, and records requirements. If we use a third-party application or service, we still protect your privacy. Our agreement with that vendor requires that IRS privacy policies apply and override those of the application or service. For more detailed information, please refer to these Internal Revenue Manual sections:
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70- 10.5.1.6.14.2, Recordings in the Workplace
71- 10.5.1.6.15, Contractors
72- 10.5.1.6.18.2, Online Meeting Tools
73- [4.10.3.4.7, Requests to Audio Record Interviews](https://irs.gov/irm/part4/irm_04-010-003)
74- [5.1.12.3, Taxpayer Recording of Interviews](https://irs.gov/irm/part5/irm_05-001-012r)
75- [25.5.5.4.4, Right to Make an Audio Recording of the Proceeding](https://irs.gov/irm/part25/irm_25-005-005)