FREE HELP FROM THE IRS

Courtesy of IRS 

Sometimes you just need a little help preparing your federal tax return. The IRS offers free assistance by computer, telephone, fax and in person. The IRS can assist you with obtaining forms, publications and answers to a wide range of tax questions. If you qualify, IRS can even help you find free tax preparation.

ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR RETURN
You may be one of millions of taxpayers who will be able to prepare and file their 2004 federal tax returns electronically this year — for free. The IRS and the Free File Alliance, LLC, a private-sector consortium of tax software companies, have formed a partnership to help qualifying taxpayers electronically prepare and file their federal tax returns for free.

Free tax preparation is available through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs in many communities. Volunteers help prepare basic tax returns for taxpayers whose incomes are $36,000 or less. Call 1-800-829-1040 to find the VITA or TCE site nearest you.

You may also call AARP — the largest TCE participant— at 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669) or visit the AARP Web site to find the nearest Tax-Aide site.

Online
You can access a wealth of other free tax information
on IRS.gov. Check out the “1040 Central” page for one-stop information. Go to “Forms and Publications” to download the forms, instructions or publications you need.

To get answers, go to “Frequently Asked Questions” on the “Individuals” page.

Telephone
You can call the IRS Tax Help Line for Individuals, 1-800-829-1040, to get answers to your federal tax questions. [TaxMama - that's 1-800-TAX-1040]

Help for small businesses, corporations, partnerships and trusts who need information or help preparing business returns is available at the Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933.

Order free forms, instructions and publications by calling toll free 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).

TTY/TDD users may call 1-800-829-4059 to ask tax questions or to order forms and publications.

TeleTax
Call 1-800-829-4477 to hear pre-recorded messages covering various tax topics, or to check on the status of your refund.

TaxFax Service
Using the phone attached to your fax machine, you can receive forms and publications by calling 1-703-368-9694.  (This is not a toll-free number)

Taxpayer Assistance Centers
When you need to talk with the IRS face-to-face, representatives at local Taxpayer Assistance Centers can help resolve tax problems and answer questions about how the tax law applies to your individual tax return. To find your local office. 

For more information about services provided by the IRS, review Publication 910, Guide to Free Tax Services. Download a copy or call the number listed above for ordering forms and publications.

Whichever method is best for you, the IRS is there to meet your tax information needs.