Getting IRS Tax Help
There are a number of different ways for taxpayers to get IRS tax help. The IRS website, www.irs.gov, is filled with many different areas that are dedicated to providing information offering help for the taxpayer file a tax return or figure out tax-related problems, as well as several free programs for tax preparation help.
- Free File. Free File is a program that provides access to professional tax software programs for free to taxpayers who made $58,000 or less in adjusted gross income. According to the IRS, about 70 percent of all filers fit in that category. After visiting the IRS freefile site, taxpayers can choose one of the software programs, which offer tax tips and help and performs all necessary calculations.
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. Under the VITA program, taxpayers who earned $49,000 or less during the year and need help filling out their tax returns can turn to volunteers who are located in communities throughout the country. VITA offers help at public locations like schools and shopping centers. To find a convenient VITA site, call 1-800-906-9887.
- Tax Counseling for the Elderly. The tax counseling program is available to taxpayers who are 60 and older. Similar to VITA, volunteers are trained and certified and work with non-profit organizations to offer tax help. The AARP offers tax help at more than 7,000 locations in the country. For more information on the tax counseling program, call 1-800-829-1040.
- Frequently asked questions. The IRS website also offers an FAQ page that addresses the most common questions about deadlines, extension and filling out tax returns. Located at http://www.irs.gov/faqs/index/, the information ranges from the latest tax law changes to information about itemized deduction and Social Security.
- 1040 Central. This area of the IRS website has information aimed specifically for those preparing their tax returns. A taxpayer can determine which of the 1040 forms is the right one for them to file and download that form from the site. In addition, 1040 Central provides online help that includes interactive tax assistant to find answers to general tax questions. Taxpayers can also get explanations about the most commonly claimed tax credits, including the homebuyer’s credit and a go through a list of tax tips that offers general advice on a wide variety of tax topics.