Personal Computer
On IRS.gov, the IRS Web site, taxpayers can access a wealth of free tax
information. Taxpayers should check out 1040 Central, a special section
of the Web site that has all the help, updates and information taxpayers
need to prepare and file their returns. Taxpayers can readily access
necessary forms, instructions or publications; get answers to frequently
asked questions (FAQs); and use the new EITC Assistant to find out
whether they qualify for the earned income tax credit.
Taxpayers may also check their refund status using IRS.gov’s “Where's My
Refund?” tool. They will need to enter a Social Security number, filing
status (such as single or married filing jointly) and the amount of the
refund shown on their 2004 tax return. They will then see a Web page
that shows the status of their refund payment as well as instructions to
resolve refund-related problems.
TaxFax Service
Taxpayers may have the IRS fax them forms and publications directly.
Just call 1-703-368-9694 (not a toll-free call) from any fax machine and
follow the directions at the prompts. Taxpayers will need to enter the
catalog number for any requested items, which will be faxed directly to
their machine.
Telephone
Taxpayers may also order current and prior year forms, instructions and
publications by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676). Taxpayers may
ask tax questions by calling the toll-free customer service line at
1-800-829-1040. TTY/TDD users may call 1-800-829-4059 to ask tax
questions or to order forms and publications.
TeleTax
Taxpayers may call 1-800-829-4477 to hear pre-recorded messages covering
various tax topics or to check on the status of their refund. TeleTax
topics, which range from “IRS assistance” to “who must file,” are listed
on pages 8 and 9 of the Form 1040 Instruction booklet, available at
IRS.gov — just type “1040” in the forms and publications search box.
Tax Forms and Publications Walk-In Service
Many post offices, libraries and IRS offices have tax publications,
forms and instructions available to pick up. Electronic kiosks
containing commonly-used forms (Form 1040 series) and tax information
are available in some locations. Check “Contact My Local Office” on
IRS.gov for availability by state.
Taxpayer Assistance Centers
IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers are taxpayers’ source for personal,
face-to-face tax help. Taxpayers who have complex issues, need to
resolve a tax problem, or are more comfortable talking with someone in
person can visit a local Taxpayer Assistance Center. IRS representatives
in these offices can help with inquiries or adjustments to tax accounts,
payment plans for those who owe tax and cannot pay the full amount,
questions about IRS letters and notices, and levies on wages or bank
accounts.
Although appointments are not necessary, taxpayers may call ahead to
leave messages requesting convenient appointments to resolve tax issues,
or to hear recorded messages with office hours and addresses. Local
phone numbers for Taxpayer Assistance Centers are in telephone
directories and are posted at “Contact My Local Office."
The IRS provides non-English-speaking taxpayers equal access to all
Taxpayer Assistance Center services through a phone interpreter.
Assistance with Returns
Free tax preparation is available through the Volunteer Income Tax
Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs in
many communities. Volunteers help prepare basic returns for taxpayers
with low or limited incomes. Call 1-800-829-1040 to find the VITA or TCE
site nearest you. Taxpayers may also call AARP — the largest TCE
participant — at 1-888-227-7669 to find the closest Tax Aide site.
Braille Tax Material
A variety of Braille materials may be ordered at no charge by calling
the IRS at 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676). The Braille print files are
in .brf format and can be sent directly to an embosser for high-quality
Braille output.
Publication 910
For a comprehensive listing of free tax services, taxpayers should get
IRS Publication 910, Guide to Free Tax Services.
Related Items:
Publication 910, Guide to Free Tax Services
(PDF 636K)
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