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Internal Revenue Service

United States government agency
Also known as: IRS
Written and fact-checked byThe Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
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taxation
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Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Agency of the U.S. Department of the Treasury charged with administering and enforcing federal tax laws, except those relating to alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives. It issues rulings and regulations to supplement the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code; determines, assesses, and collects internal revenue taxes; and determines exempt organization status.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Maren Goldberg.