Getting Help During Tax Filing Season
Tax filing season can be difficult to navigate, but TAS has compiled a list of resources to help you make it to the finish line.
Choosing a tax return preparer is an important decision. You need someone you can trust with your personal and financial information. If you need help finding a tax professional, we’ve got some tips. Don’t forget – if you pay someone to do your taxes, they are required by law to sign the return and include their preparer tax identification number (PTIN) on it.
Filing electronically is the safest, fastest, and most accurate way to file your tax return. If you choose to prepare and file your own tax return, you may be able to use Free File to file your taxes for free.
The IRS has over 250 Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) throughout the country, many of which offer extended hours during tax filing season. To see if a nearby TAC is offering extended hours, visit Contact your Local IRS Office to access the IRS.gov TAC Locator tool.
If you need help preparing your federal tax return, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program may be able to help you. These services help low- to moderate-income individuals, persons with disabilities, individuals who are age 60 or older, and limited English speakers file their taxes each year through various partner organizations.
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC) assist low income individuals who have a tax dispute with the IRS, and provide education and outreach to individuals who speak English as a second language (ESL). LITCs represent individuals whose income is below a certain level and who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. LITCs can represent taxpayers in audits, appeals, and tax collection disputes before the IRS and in court. LITCs can also help taxpayers respond to IRS notices and correct account problems.
MilTax, a Department of Defense program, offers free return preparation software and electronic filing for federal tax returns and up to three state income tax returns. It’s available for all military members, and some veterans, with no income limit.
And, as always, TAS is here to help! Visit our Get Help listing for answers to many of your filing season questions.
Available resources:
IRS Online Account: Securely access your individual account information.
Where’s My Refund?: Check your refund status and estimated delivery date.
Identity Protection Pin (IP PIN): Prevent someone from filing a tax return using your Social Security number of Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
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