The Freedom of Information Act or FOIA has grown in popularity ever since its introduction. This is mainly due to the fact that this act gives people access to a variety of information. What is ironic about this act is that it was introduced to ease the process of information retrieval but in reality, it is a very confusing process. For those people who do not know what the FOIA is, how it helps us and what information we are entitled to and what we are not entitled to, this article will clear many questions and doubts.
Like mentioned previously, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was a law that was passed in the parliament to make easy access to information for the general public a reality. It basically gives average citizens the right to access information that is not classified. Such information generally refers to government records and public documents of different types. If you need a piece of information or a record, you must send in an FOIA request on the particular government office’s website that possesses the information. If you cannot locate any FOIA request tabs or links, there will be a page that contains the contact details of the office. Email or call them and let them know of your need.
However, certain types of information cannot be retrieved through FOIA requests and sometimes even finding the particular government office that possesses the information you need can be difficult. Moreover, it can take several days or months for the government office to respond to your FOIA request. This is why it is recommended that along with FOIA requests, citizens must try and use public records to get the information they need. Public records searches complement FOIA requests very well as it only takes minutes to locate information on their large database.
To submit a request for records, ensure that your letter is in writing and contains the following:
Specific, clear and concise information that you need.
A photocopy of a valid personal I.D with your name and address.
A sentence stating that you are using the powers of the Freedom of Information Act.
A sentence stating that relevant fees will be borne by you.
Also, let them know how you would like to receive the information (email, letter, call etc.) Do not forget to include your contact details in your request and take a photocopy of the request.
After all of the above is done, the request should be sent to the particular IRS Disclosure Office that holds your records. If you have a deadline to meet, make sure you send in your request early as it can take up to 30 days for IRS to respond. You can submit proof that you have a “compelling need” for the information requested if you want to speed up the process. More information about this can be found on the IRS FOIA website.
Also, if some of the information you received has been blacked out, you have the right to appeal to the “FOIA Appeals Office”.
Like mentioned previously, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was a law that was passed in the parliament to make easy access to information for the general public a reality. It basically gives average citizens the right to access information that is not classified. Such information generally refers to government records and public documents of different types. If you need a piece of information or a record, you must send in an FOIA request on the particular government office’s website that possesses the information. If you cannot locate any FOIA request tabs or links, there will be a page that contains the contact details of the office. Email or call them and let them know of your need.
However, certain types of information cannot be retrieved through FOIA requests and sometimes even finding the particular government office that possesses the information you need can be difficult. Moreover, it can take several days or months for the government office to respond to your FOIA request. This is why it is recommended that along with FOIA requests, citizens must try and use public records to get the information they need. Public records searches complement FOIA requests very well as it only takes minutes to locate information on their large database.
To submit a request for records, ensure that your letter is in writing and contains the following:
Specific, clear and concise information that you need.
A photocopy of a valid personal I.D with your name and address.
A sentence stating that you are using the powers of the Freedom of Information Act.
A sentence stating that relevant fees will be borne by you.
Also, let them know how you would like to receive the information (email, letter, call etc.) Do not forget to include your contact details in your request and take a photocopy of the request.
After all of the above is done, the request should be sent to the particular IRS Disclosure Office that holds your records. If you have a deadline to meet, make sure you send in your request early as it can take up to 30 days for IRS to respond. You can submit proof that you have a “compelling need” for the information requested if you want to speed up the process. More information about this can be found on the IRS FOIA website.
Also, if some of the information you received has been blacked out, you have the right to appeal to the “FOIA Appeals Office”.
