What does disclosure refer to in the context of tax information?

In the context of tax information, disclosure primarily refers to the release of tax information by an IRS employee. This involves the sharing of sensitive tax data, which is governed by strict regulations to protect taxpayer privacy. The IRS is bound by confidentiality laws that dictate when and how tax information can be shared, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding individual tax data.

Other options, while related to the sharing of information, do not specifically capture the essence of what "disclosure" means in the context of tax information. For instance, taxpayers may create personal disclosures, but this refers more to their own reporting and does not involve the release of information by the IRS. Similarly, public access to tax records introduces different considerations around transparency and privacy. Lastly, the disclosure of client identities by tax preparers touches upon ethical standards and confidentiality but is more about the responsibilities of tax professionals rather than the formalized process of disclosure pertaining to IRS operations.