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Jessie,在一家亚洲一流律师事务所的北京办公室担任全职法律翻译,擅长翻译有关港口、铁路、公路与海运的法律文件。