What is the primary role of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) primarily serves as the federal tax collector for the United States government. Its main responsibility is to administer and enforce the federal tax laws, which includes the collection of income taxes, the management of tax refunds, and the oversight of tax compliance among individuals and businesses. The IRS also provides guidance on tax regulations and interpretations to help taxpayers understand their obligations.

The focus of the agency is firmly on tax collection and regulation, which distinguishes it from other roles like financial advisers who offer personalized financial planning services, investment bankers who deal with the creation and sale of capital instruments, or insurance regulators who oversee the insurance industry to ensure consumer protection and fair practices. This clear delineation of roles highlights the unique function of the IRS in the context of government financial operations.