How to Get Free Tax Help From the IRS

For many people, tax season can be one of the most stressful times of the year. Worrying about completing the correct paperwork, owing money on taxes, and reaching certain deadlines can definitely cause unwanted tension in all of us. On top of ensuring that we complete these responsibilities comes the anxiety of knowing what the IRS is capable of doing if we neglect them. We attribute so much stress and anxiety to what could go wrong during tax season, that we fail to notice the help the IRS is willing to give us.

There are many free services offered by the IRS to assist taxpayers. Assistance is available online, by phone, fax, and even in person. The IRS assists taxpayers by providing answers to questions, help with finding forms and instructions, suggesting the best tax preparation services, providing the status of refunds, and much more. Here are some ways you can get free tax help from the IRS.

Resources Online
The IRS website is one of the most helpful resources for taxpayers. Here you can find all the information you need about how to file your taxes, deadlines you must be aware of, answers to frequently asked questions, information about notices or letters you may have received, and locations of file providers near you.. You can search for the forms or publications you are required to complete and can access them from the website. You can also track the status of your refund as long as you can provide your social security number, filing status, and the amount of your refund.

IRS Offices/Assistance Centers
If you are someone who prefers face-to-face help, then finding an assistance center may be the best option for you. These centers can provide taxpayers with information or answers to just about anything regarding their taxes. These are great places for individuals who have more complex filing situations or problems. IRS staff members can assist taxpayers who have received notices or letters, levies on bank accounts, wages, etc., and can assist those who need to make adjustments or set up payment plans for their tax accounts. Forms and publications can also be picked up from assistance centers.

Walk-In Services
There are many different locations where taxpayers can pick up the forms and publications for free. IRS offices, libraries, and post offices are just some of the locations that have the paperwork available for taxpayers to pick up at anytime during tax season. You can go to the IRS website to locate your local office or find walk-in locations near you.

Telephone/TeleTax
There are a few ways taxpayers can contact the IRS or get help with their taxes by phone. You can get access to pre-recorded answers and check the status of your return by calling, toll-free, 1-800-829-4477. If you need to ask questions that are not answered when calling the pre-recorded number, then call 1-800-829-1040 to ask questions of your own. You can also order any tax forms that you may need by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM.

IRS2Go Mobile App
You can get free up-to-date tax information, follow the IRS, and contact the IRS with the IRS2Go Mobile App for smartphones. With this app you will receive updates regarding child tax credits, education credits, earned income tax credit, free tax help, etc. You will also have access to IRS contact information and can follow the IRS on Twitter to get the most recent information about IRS programs, tax law changes, and tax news. This app also allows taxpayers to check the status of their refund by providing a few pieces of information.