IRS Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

ARCHIVED 2023-04-02, DATE APPROXIMATE · VERSION 20230402_rev01 · COMPARED WITH 20220401_rev01

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1## Updated IRS FOIA Guidelines
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3Before you submit a FOIA request, find details on updated fees and requirements with the [IRS FOIA Guidelines](https://irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/freedom-of-information-act-foia-guidelines). The updates are for changes made to [Internal Revenue Manual 11.3.5, Fees](https://irs.gov/irm/part11/irm_11-003-005) on October 18, 2021, and include:
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5- Increased IRS FOIA fees for search, review and duplication efforts
6- Updated search fees for certain types of FOIA requester categories
7- Updated ways to submit requests
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91Enacted in 1966, the Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA, gives any person the right to access federal agency records or information. The FOIA is based on the presumption that the government and its information belong to the people.
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113A 1996 amendment to the FOIA, required federal agencies to make many types of records available online. Visit the [IRS FOIA Library](https://irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/foia-library) to learn more.
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135New law, like the [Open Government Act](https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/PLAW-110publ81), as well as new policies, such as those issued by the President and the Attorney General, promote the spirit of transparency envisioned by our founding fathers.
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2113To assist FOIA requesters each IRS Disclosure Office serves as a FOIA Requester Service Center. The IRS FOIA Guide describes the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in general and gives specific instructions for making a FOIA request, including a sample letter, an explanation of potential fees and where to file requests.
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2315[IRS FOIA Guide](https://irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/freedom-of-information-act-foia-guidelines)
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2517#### [FOIA Public Liaison]()
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27FOIA requestors who have questions on a submitted request or want to know the status of a request may contact the IRS FOIA Public Liaison line at 312-292-3297.
19FOIA requestors who have questions on a submitted request or want to know the status of a request may contact the IRS FOIA Public Liaison line at [312-292-3297](tel:312-292-3297).
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2921If you have general questions on the IRS FOIA process, review the IRS FOIA Guidelines page before submitting a request.
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23Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 27-Mar-2023