April 15th is a dreaded day for many Americans. The last thing most people want to do is sort through tax documents or fill out unfamiliar forms. The IRS wants to make this necessary process as easy as possible, so it makes tremendous effort to ensure all taxpayers have the information they need in order to file their tax returns. Some tax information products are even available in Braille and large print.
Ways to Retrieve IRS Tax Information
Taxpayers with and without online access may access IRS tax guidance.
- Online. The IRS website houses a plethora of tax information. Taxpayers, both businesses and individuals, can download tax forms, instructions, and IRS tax guides and publications. Through the IRS website, taxpayers also have access to IRS mailing addresses, changes in tax law, and tax refund information.
- By Phone. Recorded information can be accessed around the clock by calling 1-800-829-4477. Simply follow the prompts to access recorded information on the topic of your choice. Topic 123 contains a list of available topics; alternatively, Publication 910 lists available topics on pages 12 and 13.
- In Person.Local IRS walk-in offices carry tax materials. Some other organizations also carry this information, including post offices, libraries, office supply stores, private companies, credit unions, grocery stores, pharmacies, and local government offices.
- Electronic Media. Tax information is also available on CD-ROMs. These CD-ROMs can be requested by calling 1-877-233-6767.
How to Access Tax Forms
When it comes time to actually prepare a tax return, taxpayers may easily obtain forms at local sites (such as those listed above) or through the IRS website. Additionally, hard copy forms can be ordered by calling 1-800-829-3676.
IRS Guidance by Phone or in Person
Sometimes, simply reading the information is not enough to clear up a taxpayer’s tax questions. In that case, it might be helpful to speak directly to an IRS representative by phone or in person.
To reach a representative by phone, taxpayers should call 1-800-829-1040. Individuals should pull together all relevant information before calling. The IRS recommends pulling together the following information: tax form, schedule or IRS notice to which the question relates, the facts, and the name of any source documentation already researched to look for the answer.
To meet with an IRS representative in person, taxpayers may visit their local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers. No appointment is necessary for these face-to-face consultations. The IRS representatives at these locations are capable of helping taxpayers resolve tax problems and discussing how a tax law applies to a certain situation. Note that the IRS recommends that taxpayers reserve in-person visits for when they cannot resolve an issue by phone or online.
Other Free IRS Resources
The IRS sponsors free tax preparation sites across the country. Low-to-moderate income taxpayers may seek assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Elderly taxpayers have another option through Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), a program offered through many AARP and other local community locations throughout the United States.
Source: IRS Website
Lena Gott - Lena Gott is a Certified Public Accountant who gives practical financial advice to her readers.
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