As the April filing deadline approaches, individuals look for information on the changes to the tax code, as well as what a change might mean to their individual tax return. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) wants people to pay their income taxes on time; finding mistakes makes more work for everyone involved.
This problem can be avoided by having questions answered before filing a return. The IRS itself has a lot of information to help guide individuals as they complete tax forms; there are oftentimes relatively simple answers to what appear to be complex questions.
Getting Tax Questions Answered
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Since the IRS has to address the needs of all Americans, they're prepared to deliver help through a wide variety of communication channels. Taxpayers can visit their website, call for help, or a visit a local Taxpayer Assistance Office. These communication channels are available to taxpayers, with the sole purpose of helping individuals to avoid making mistakes on income tax returns.
Website Answers
The IRS website is a great source of information for anyone with an internet connection. They have questions and answers sorted by over 300 keywords. They've also introduced an IRS video portal, which provides both video and audio presentations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IRS also offers a section of frequently asked questions, which is broken down by category and subcategory. It's here that taxpayers can find answers to questions that range from filing procedures to tax credits and individual retirement accounts.
Income Tax Telephone Assistance
Taxpayers also have access to live telephone assistance by dialing the IRS's toll free telephone number: 1-800-829-1040. Business owners or individuals with a business-related tax question can call 1-800-829-4933.
For the hearing impaired, help is available by dialing 1-800-829-4059 (TDD). Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Individuals that are uncomfortable talking to someone over the phone can call into the IRS's TeleTax Topics by dialing 1-800-829-4477. This line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. TeleTax allows individuals to listen to over 150 tax topics. A complete list of topics can be found in the instructions to income tax Form 1040.
Questions Answered in-Person
Anyone that would like to get their income tax questions answered in-person can have a face-to-face conversation with an IRS professional by visiting one of the many IRS Taxpayer Assistance Offices located throughout the United States. These offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time. There is multilingual help available in every office.
Help with Unresolved Tax Questions
Finally, if anyone attempts to work with the IRS to resolve a problem, and they've been unsuccessful, they can talk to someone in the Taxpayer's Advocate Office by calling this toll-free telephone number: 1-877-777-4778. Keep in mind that the advocate cannot change the tax law or render a technical tax decision. They're here to make sure everyone is treated fairly and receives an impartial review of their individual tax situation.
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