Where to go for free tax help when doing your personal taxes
Doing your personal taxes can be quite confusing, but there is a place that can help and it won't cost you a dime. That place is the IRS. The IRS offers assistance by computer, fax, telephone, and in person--for free. They can answer a wide variety of questions, no matter how big or small. They can help you get forms and publications and even help you find free tax preparation services if you qualify. You can also pick up tax publications, forms and instructions at your local post office, library, and IRS office.
You can access free tax information using your personal computer. To access the IRS website, go to IRS.gov. You can receive instructions or publications, get answers to frequently asked questions, and use the new EITC assistant, to find out if you qualify for the earned income credit. 1040 Central is a special section of the web site where you can receive help, updates and information needed to prepare and file your tax return. You can also use this site to check the status of your refund. The "Where's My Refund?" tool requires you to enter a social security number, filing status, and the amount of the refund shown on your tax return. After entering this information, you will be shown the status of your refund along with instructions to resolve any refund-related issues.
|
|
You can order current and prior year forms, instructions and publications by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676). If you have a tax question you can call the toll-free customer line at 1-800-829-1040. TTY/TDD users with tax questions or that need to order forms and publications can call 1-800-829-4059. Getting through can be difficult, especially during the peak tax season. It is best to call later in the week and early morning is the best time to call.
If you have a complex tax problem or just prefer speaking to someone face to face, you can visit a local Taxpayer Assistance Center. IRS representatives are available in these offices to assist you with inquiries or adjustments to tax accounts, set up payment plans if you owe taxes and cannot pay the full amount, and answer questions about IRS letters and notices. You may call ahead to request an appointment to resolve tax issues, even though appointments are not necessary. You can find local phone numbers to Taxpayer Assistance Centers in telephone directories posted at "Contact My Local Office." Non-English speaking taxpayers have equal access to all Taxpayer Assistance Center services through a phone interpreter.
The IRS sponsors volunteer tax help programs such as:
- The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). This program provides free tax help at community locations to individual who need basic help with tax return preparation. Help is provided by IRS trained volunteers and is for low income tax payers, tax payers with disabilities, the elderly, tax payers that do not speak English, and those with special needs. To find the VITA site nearest you call 1-800-829-1040.
- The Tax counseling for the Elderly Program (TCE). This program provides free tax help and tax return preparation to the elderly, especially those who are confined to their homes or retirement community. IRS trained volunteers travel to senior citizen's homes if they are confined to their residence. To locate the nearest facility, visit the American Association of Retired Persons tax aid site or call 1-888-227-7669.
If you need tax information in Braille, you can call the IRS at 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676). You can order a variety of Braille materials at no charge. The Braille print files are in .brf format and may be sent to an embosser for high-quality Braille output.
