ECNETNews reports that the IRS is encouraging taxpayers who have requested extensions for filing their taxes to take advantage of IRS Free File and other valuable resources on IRS.gov during the summer months. By filing early, taxpayers can sidestep the last-minute rush and ease the stress of meeting the approaching October deadline.
The IRS Free File service is accessible 24/7, enabling eligible taxpayers to prepare and e-file their tax returns at no cost. This service is available for individuals with an Adjusted Gross Income of $79,000 or less. Qualified taxpayers can easily file with a trusted IRS Free File partner, ensuring a seamless and cost-free experience.
On IRS.gov, a wide array of tools and services are available around the clock. These resources include the Interactive Tax Assistant for answering tax law questions, IRS Online Account for managing tax records and preferences, and electronic filing and payment options. Taxpayers can also utilize the “Where’s My Refund?” tool to get the latest updates on their tax refunds.
In areas impacted by disasters, taxpayers may be granted automatic extensions for filings and payments. The IRS is empowered to provide special tax relief for these regions, deferring various deadlines. Comprehensive information about tax relief related to specific disasters can be found on the IRS disaster relief page.
For personalized support, taxpayers can utilize the Taxpayer Assistance Center Locator tool on IRS.gov to locate the nearest IRS office, check service availability, and schedule appointments by calling 844-545-5640.
Free local tax preparation services are offered for individuals with disabilities, limited English proficiency, or an annual income of $64,000 or less. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs provide essential tax return preparation services. A locator tool on IRS.gov assists in finding local VITA and TCE sites.
Active military members and certain veterans can access MilTax for complimentary tax preparation and e-filing, regardless of income. Service members stationed overseas may also have the ability to defer most tax deadlines and qualify for automatic extensions for filing and payment.
For those seeking professional tax assistance, it’s vital to select qualified and ethical tax preparers. The IRS offers guidelines for choosing a tax preparer and avoiding fraudulent “ghost” preparers.
Taxpayers can stay informed on tax-related updates by subscribing to IRS tax tips, which provide articles on a variety of tax topics delivered directly to their email. These insights include tax planning advice and critical information on taxpayer rights.
IRS.gov prioritizes accessibility, providing forms and publications in various formats to assist individuals with visual impairments. Taxpayers can complete Form 9000 to indicate their preferred format for receiving IRS notifications. Additionally, many pages on IRS.gov are available in multiple languages to serve those with limited English proficiency.
