As we celebrate our nation's independence, we inherently know that freedom comes at a price. For the average American, that cost equates with taxes and the IRS.

Some 135 million of us file tax returns each year, most of us trying to the best of our ability to pay our fair share, hoping we won't be audited. But as the IRS ratchets up the number of audits, even the most honest of us could be questioned.

If you are audited and hit with additional taxes and penalties, don't roll over and pay. If you believe you're in the right, fight back.

According to the latest government report, the Government Accountability Office estimate that taxpayers who took their cases to the IRS appeals division won at least partial relief 41% of the time.

Check out IRS Publication 5 & 556 at www.irs.gov for more information.

And remember, if you don't like the appeals verdict, you can always go to tax court.

Assert your independence.