What is the role of the IRS concerning tax preparation?

The role of the IRS, or Internal Revenue Service, primarily involves regulating tax laws and overseeing the collection of taxes. This agency is responsible for creating and enforcing tax regulations, ensuring compliance among taxpayers, and maximizing the efficiency of tax collection. The IRS also administers various tax programs and systems that support the taxation process, such as the implementation of tax codes, processing tax returns, and managing refunds.

In contrast to preparing taxes for individuals, which is the responsibility of certified tax professionals or taxpayers themselves, the IRS does not directly prepare tax returns. While the agency does provide tax forms, guidelines, and tools to assist taxpayers, it does not engage in the actual preparation of individual tax returns.

The provision of deductions to taxpayers falls outside the direct role of the IRS. While the IRS enforces tax laws, the creation and categorization of tax deductions are determined by legislation passed by Congress.

Regarding audits, while the IRS does conduct audits to ensure compliance and verify the accuracy of tax returns, auditing is merely a function of oversight rather than a primary role. The central function of the IRS revolves around the regulation of tax laws and the overarching management of tax collections.