Every once in a while procrastination pays off. If you have yet to file your 2023 tax return and could use a little help, you’re in luck. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees will be working select Saturdays over the course of the next three months to help answer your questions before the deadline for filing taxes (which BTW, for most, is April 15.)
The IRS recently announced it will again be offering Saturday hours for face-to-face help at dozens of Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) across the country. Normally, the centers are not open on Saturdays, and people must have appointments to receive services. According to the IRS, Saturday assistance will be offered on a walk-in basis, no appointments necessary. Dates and times will be announced soon, here on the IRS website.
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During special Saturday hours, people can walk-in for all services routinely offered at an office, except for making cash payments. They can also ask about setting up an online account and getting an Identity Protection PIN among other topics.
WHAT TO BRING
For those planning to get help in person before the deadline for filing taxes, here’s what you need to bring:
- Two forms of identification, including current government-issued photo ID
- Social Security cards or ITINs for yourself and all household members, including a spouse and dependents (if applicable)
- Any IRS letters or notices received (and related documents)
- If filed, a copy of a tax return for the year(s) in question
During the visit, IRS staff may request the following information:
- Current mailing address
- Proof of bank account information included on a tax return to receive payments or refunds by direct deposit
FREE TAX RETURN FILING OPTIONS
While tax return prep is not a service offered at IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers, information will be available about free tax preparation options that can help you meet the deadline for filing taxes. Assistance is also available using the following services:
- In your local community: Those who qualify can get free help preparing their tax return at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites. To find the closest free tax return preparation help, use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887.
- AARP Foundation: To find an AARP Tax-Aide site, visit the AARP Site Locator Tool or call 888-227-7669.
- IRS Free File: Any person or family who earned $79,000 or less in 2023 can use free tax software through IRS Free File. (Products are in English and Spanish.)
- For military families: 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 military members, and some veterans, with no income limit.
MORE FREE HELP AT IRS.GOV
Another way to get free help before the deadline for filing taxes is through IRS.gov. where these resources are available:
- Track your refund – You can check your refund status and estimated delivery date.
- Get a transcript – View and print a tax transcript online.
- Payments – Get information on payment methods, including cash.
- Direct pay – Make tax payments or estimated tax payments for free from a checking or savings account.
- Electronic Federal Tax Payment System – Individuals and businesses can make all types of federal tax payments.
- Online payment agreement – Set up installment payments to pay taxes owed.
- An amended return – Track the status of an amended return.
- Interactive tax assistant and FAQs – Get answers to tax law questions.
- IRS forms and publications – Find and download tax forms and publications.
- No internet access? Call 800-829-3676 to order tax forms by mail.
More on HerMoney:
- Five Free or Cheap Ways to File Your Taxes
- This List Will Save You on Tax Prep This Year
- Tax Filing Tips for Women Who’ve Gone Through Some Stuff
- What To Do If You Can’t Pay Your Tax Bill
SUBSCRIBE: Own your money, own your life. Subscribe to HerMoney to get the latest money news and tips!
