TaxSpeak gives different meanings to words in PeopleSpeak

TaxSpeak refers to the language and meaning of words used by employees of the taxing authorities which differ from PeopleSpeak (Regular American English in everyday usage). TaxSpeak is so similar and yet so different from PeopleSpeak that it confuses even those whose first language is English. Most people practice PeopleSpeak for everyday communication with a dictionary for clarification, whereas TaxSpeak clarification requires reading though 1040 instructions, Pub 17, or calling the toll-free 1-800-829-1040 where the helpful customer service agent will patiently search for and read out the relevant sections from these publications. ...more...