How to Get Help with Your Taxes

You can get help with unresolved tax issues, order free publications and tax forms, ask tax questions, and get information from the IRS in several ways. By selecting the method that is best for you, you will be able to enjoy quick and easy access to tax help.

Local Taxpayer Advocates

The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS. These advocates help taxpayers who are experiencing economic difficulty and are seeking help in resolving tax problems that have not been resolved through normal channels. Advocates are also available to assist taxpayers who believe that an IRS system or procedure is operating incorrectly.

Here are seven things that every taxpayer should know about the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS):

The TAS is your voice at the IRS.
The service is free, confidential, and tailored to meet your particular needs.
You may be eligible for TAS help if you have tried to resolve your tax problem through the normal IRS channels but have gotten nowhere, or if you believe that an IRS procedure just isn't working as it should.
The TAS helps taxpayers whose problems are causing financial troubles or substantial costs (including the cost of professional representation). This applies to businesses as well as individuals.
TAS employees are familiar with IRS programs and procedures, and know how to navigate through the system. They will listen to your problem and help you understand what needs to be done to resolve it. Your advocate will also stay with you every step of the way until your issue is resolved.
The TAS has at least one local taxpayer advocate in every state, as well as the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.), and Puerto Rico. You can call your local advocate, whose number can be found in IRS Publication 1546 (Taxpayer Advocate Service Your Voice at the IRS) or by going to the TAS website (http://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/). You can also call their toll-free number at 1(877)777-4778 or 1(800)829-4059.
Learn about your rights and responsibilities as a taxpayer by using the Online Tax Toolkit available on the IRS website.

Low-Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs)

The Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic program serves individuals who have a problem with the IRS and whose income is below a certain level. It's important to note that LITCs are independent from the IRS. Most LITCs can provide representation before the IRS, or in court on audits, tax collection disputes, and other issues. Most LITCs offer free services, or charge a small fee.

If an individual's native language is not English, some clinics can provide multilingual information regarding taxpayer rights and responsibilities. For more information, see IRS Publication 4134 (Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List). This publication is available online at the IRS website, by calling 1(800)TAX-FORM, or at your local IRS office.

Free Tax Services

To find out what services are available for free, you will want to look at Publication 910 (IRS Guide to Free Tax Services). This publication contains lists of free tax information sources, including publications, services, and free tax education and assistance programs. It also has an index of over 100 TeleTax topics (recorded tax information) that you can listen to on the telephone. Accessible versions of IRS published products are also available by request in a variety of alternative formats for people with disabilities.

Free Help with Your Tax Return

Free help in preparing your tax return is available nationwide from IRS-trained volunteers. There are two major services taxpayers can choose from: the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program. VITA is designed to help low-income taxpayers, as well as the elderly and disabled, while TCE is designed to assist taxpayers aged 60 and older with their income tax returns. Many VITA sites offer free electronic filing (e-filing) and all volunteers will let you know about any tax credits or tax deductions you are entitled to claim. To find the nearest VITA or TCE center, call 1(800)829-1040.

As part of the TCE program, AARP offers a Tax-Aide counseling program for senior citizens. To find your nearest AARP Tax-Aide site, call 1(888)227-7669 or visit the AARP website.

The organizations that offer free tax preparation assistance will generally help you with the following items:

Download tax forms, instructions, and publications
Order IRS products online
Research your tax questions online
Search publications online by topic or keyword
Use the online Internal Revenue Code, Regulations, or other official guidance
View Internal Revenue Bulletins (IRBs) published in the last few years
Figure your withholding allowances using the withholding calculator online at the IRS website
Determine if Tax Form 6251 must be filed by using the IRS Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Assistant
Sign up to receive local and national tax news by email
Get information on starting and operating a small business

Walk-In Services

Many products and services are also available on a walk-in basis. You can walk in to your local Taxpayer Assistance Center any (business) day for personal, face-to-face tax help. An employee will be able to explain IRS letters, request adjustments to your tax account, or help you set up a payment plan.

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How to Get Help with Your Taxes

Local Taxpayer Advocates

Low-Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs)

Free Tax Services

Free Help with Your Tax Return

Walk-In Services

Want a Faster Way to File Your Tax Extension?

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How to Get Help with Your Taxes

Local Taxpayer Advocates

Low-Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs)

Free Tax Services

Free Help with Your Tax Return

Walk-In Services

Want a Faster Way to File Your Tax Extension?

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