prior claim ruleglossary / PRIOR-CLAIM RULE prior-claim rule. The principle that before suing for a tax refund or abatement, a taxpayer must first assert the claim to the Internal Revenue Service. [Cases: Internal Revenue 5003.] 词条贡献者 法律翻译徐玲,知名法学院保险法专业,专注翻译各类与保险追偿有关的法律文件。