How to get help with taxes
If you have questions about a tax issue, need help preparing your tax return, or want to download free publications, forms, or instructions, go to IRS.gov and find resources that can help you right away.
Preparing and filing your tax return
After receiving all your wage and earnings statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-MISC, 1099-NEC, etc.); unemployment compensation statements (by mail or in a digital format) or other government payment statements (Form 1099-G); and interest, dividend, and retirement statements from banks and investment firms (Forms 1099), you have several options to choose from to prepare and file your tax return. You can prepare the tax return yourself, see if you qualify for free tax preparation, or hire a tax professional to prepare your return.
Free options for tax preparation
The IRS offers some free options for individual tax preparation. These apply to sole proprietorships and the individual members of a partnership. See here for your options for preparing and filing your return online or in your local community, if you qualify, which include the following:
• Free File. This program lets you prepare and file your federal individual income tax return for free using brand-name tax-preparation-and-filing software or Free File fillable forms. However, state tax preparation may not be available through Free File. Go here to see if you qualify for free online federal tax preparation, e-filing, and direct deposit or payment options.
• VITA. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people with low-to-moderate incomes, persons with disabilities, and limited-English-speaking taxpayers who need help preparing their own tax returns. Go here, download the free IRS2Go app, or call 800-906-9887 for information on free tax return preparation.
• TCE. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 years of age and older. TCE volunteers specialize in answering questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. Go here, download the free IRS2Go app, or call 888-227-7669 for information on free tax return preparation.
• MilTax. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and qualified veterans may use MilTax, a free tax service offered by the Department of Defense through Military OneSource.
Also, the IRS offers Free Fillable Forms, which can be completed online and then filed electronically regardless of income.
Using online tools to help prepare your return
Go here for a list of the following:
• The Earned Income Tax Credit Assistant determines if you’re eligible for the earned income credit (EIC).
• The Online EIN Application helps you get an employer identification number (EIN).
• The Tax Withholding Estimator makes it easier for everyone to pay the correct amount of tax during the year. The tool is a convenient, online way to check and tailor your withholding. It’s more user-friendly for taxpayers, including self-employed individuals. The features include:
– Easy to understand language
– The ability to switch between screens, correct previous entries, and skip screens that don’t apply
– Tips and links to help you determine if you qualify for tax credits and deductions.
– A progress tracker
– A self-employment tax feature
– Automatic calculation of taxable social security benefits
• The Sales Tax Deduction Calculator (IRS.gov/SalesTax) figures the amount you can claim if you itemize deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040).
Getting answers to your tax questions
• IRS.gov/Help: A variety of tools to help you get answers to some of the most common tax questions.
• IRS.gov/ITA: The Interactive Tax Assistant, a tool that will ask you questions on a number of tax law topics and provide answers.
• IRS.gov/Forms: Find forms, instructions, and publications. You will find details on 2020 tax changes and hundreds of interactive links to help you find answers
to your questions.
• You may also be able to access tax law information in your electronic filing software.
Need someone to prepare your tax return?
There are various types of tax return preparers, including tax preparers, enrolled agents, certified public accountants (CPAs), attorneys, and many others who don’t have professional credentials. If you choose to have someone prepare your
tax return, choose that preparer wisely. A paid tax preparer is:
- Primarily responsible for the overall substantive accuracy of your return
- Required to sign the return, and
- Required to include their preparer tax identification number (PTIN).
Although the tax preparer always signs the return, you're ultimately responsible for providing all the information required for the preparer to accurately prepare your return. Anyone paid to prepare tax returns for others should have a thorough understanding of tax matters. For more information on how to choose a tax preparer, go here.
Employers can register to use Business Services Online
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers online service for fast, free, and secure online W-2 filing options to CPAs, accountants, enrolled agents, and individuals who process Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, and Form W-2c, Corrected Wage and Tax Statement.
Getting tax forms and publications
Go here to view, download, or print all of the forms, instructions, and publications you may need. You can also download and view popular tax publications and instructions including the Instructions for Forms 1040 and 1040-SR) on mobile devices as an eBook at IRS.gov/eBooks. Or you can go here to place an order.
Using direct deposit
The fastest way to receive a tax refund is to file electronically and choose direct deposit, which securely and electronically transfers your refund directly into your financial account. Direct deposit also avoids the possibility that your check could be lost, stolen, or returned undeliverable to the IRS. Eight in 10 taxpayers use direct deposit to receive their refunds. The IRS issues more than 90% of refunds in less than 21 days.
Getting a transcript of your return
The quickest way to get a copy of your tax transcript is to go here. Click on either “Get Transcript Online” or “Get Transcript by Mail” to order a free copy of your transcript. If you prefer, you can order your transcript by calling 800-908-9946.
Making a tax payment
The IRS uses the latest encryption technology to ensure your electronic payments are safe and secure. You can make electronic payments online, by phone, and from a mobile device using the IRS2Go app. Paying electronically is quick, easy, and faster than mailing in a check or money order. Go here for information on how to make a payment using any of the following options:
• IRS Direct Pay: Pay your individual tax bill or estimated tax payment directly from your checking or savings account at no cost to you.
• Debit or Credit Card: Choose an approved payment processor to pay online, by phone, or by mobile device.
• Electronic Funds Withdrawal: Offered only when filing your federal taxes using tax return preparation software or through a tax professional.
• Electronic Federal Tax Payment System: Best option for businesses. Enrollment is required.
• Check or Money Order: Mail your payment to the address listed on the notice or instructions.
• Cash: You may be able to pay your taxes with cash at a participating retail store.
• Same-Day Wire: You may be able to do same-day wire from your financial institution. Contact your financial institution for availability, cost, and cut-off times.
What if I can’t pay now?
Go to IRS.gov/Payments for more information about your options.
• Apply for an online payment agreement to meet your tax obligation in monthly installments if you can’t pay your taxes in full today. Once you complete the online process, you will receive immediate notification of whether your agreement has been approved.
• Use the Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier to see if you can settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe. For more information on the Offer in
Compromise program, go here
The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) Is Here To Help You
TAS is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers and protects taxpayer rights. Their job is to ensure that every taxpayer is treated fairly and that you know and understand your rights under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.
What Can TAS Do For You?
TAS can help you resolve problems that you can’t resolve with the IRS. And their service is free. If you qualify for their assistance, you will be assigned to one advocate who will work with you throughout the process and will do everything possible to resolve your issue. TAS can help you if:
• Your problem is causing financial difficulty for you, your family, or your business;
• You face (or your business is facing) an immediate threat of adverse action; or
• You’ve tried repeatedly to contact the IRS but no one has responded, or the IRS hasn’t responded by the date promised.
TAS for Tax Professionals
TAS can provide a variety of information for tax professionals, including tax law updates and guidance, TAS programs, and ways to let TAS know about systemic problems you’ve seen in your practice.