What is the primary role of the IRS?

The primary role of the IRS, or Internal Revenue Service, is to administer and enforce federal tax laws. This encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including the collection of taxes, processing tax returns, overseeing tax compliance, and ensuring that tax regulations are upheld fairly and consistently across the board. By enforcing tax laws, the IRS helps maintain the integrity of the tax system, ensuring that taxpayers fulfill their legal obligations while also providing guidelines and regulations that govern tax-related activities.

While conducting audits is a part of the enforcement process, it does not encompass the entirety of the IRS's responsibilities. The agency also does not provide tax preparation services or direct financial planning assistance to taxpayers, as its focus is primarily on tax law administration and compliance. Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the central function of the IRS in managing and enforcing tax regulations.