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 译员雪梅,国际知名法学院劳动法专业,专注翻译各种与劳动雇佣有关的法律文件。