Income Tax Filing Help
If you have questions about or need help with filing your personal income taxes, several choices are available and most are free. Services are available online, in person and over the phone.
You can contact a tax advocate to help with resolving any tax problems or use a resource for answering questions about specific issues or questions you have.
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In Person
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You can walk into your local Taxpayer Assistance Center during business hours. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees are available to help you resolve tax issues. They can answer questions about a letter you may have received, or you can talk to a representative one-on-one.
See if you qualify for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). Low-income taxpayers and those over the age of 60 can receive free assistance with their income taxes. The VITA volunteers are trained by the IRS. Many sites offer free electronic filing. They also have knowledge about current credits and deductions for which you may qualify.
The AARP also offers a Tax-Aide Counseling program. This program is part of the IRS's Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program.
To locate your nearest VITA or TCE office, call 1-800-829-1040.
Over the Internet
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The IRS has a comprehensive website for finding information about income tax filing. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can find specific answers to questions and where to go for assistance, and possibly E-file your return for free. You can download current forms and publications, or locate forms for previous years.
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On the Phone:
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You can call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040. Be prepared for a wait, as the lines are usually busy. The best days to call are Tuesdays and Wednesdays, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Tax Software Programs
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Check out tax software programs and websites dedicated to helping you fill out and file your income taxes. TurboTax and TaxAct are the best known. These companies have electronic guides that ask you questions to help you fill out your income taxes. Your responses send you to the correct form or on to the next section. Qualified tax payers can file electronically for free.
Benefits
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The benefit of using any of these services is knowing that your income taxes are filed correctly and that you will not have any more sleepless nights worrying about them.
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References
- Photo Credit tax forms image by Chad McDermott from Fotolia.com
