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Issue Number: ???IR-2024-25

Inside This Issue

IRS offering additional time at Taxpayer Assistance Centers for face-to-face help

Helped by Inflation Reduction Act funding, nearly 250 IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers nationwide will have extended operating hours Tuesdays and Thursdays during the tax filing season

IR-2024-25, Jan. 29, 2024

WASHINGTON ? The Internal Revenue Service today announced nearly 250 IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) around the country will extend their weekly office hours to give taxpayers additional time to get the help they need during the filing season.

The extended office hours will continue through Tuesday, April 16. To see if a nearby TAC is offering extended hours, taxpayers can visit Contact your local office to access the IRS.gov TAC Locator tool. The site lists services offered, including extended hours and directions to each office. Taxpayers can call 844-545-5640 to make an appointment or walk in to get help at designated TACs offering the additional time. Normally, TACs are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and operate by appointment.

The expanded hours at the assistance centers reflect funding and staffing made possible under the Inflation Reduction Act, which is being used across the IRS to improve taxpayer service, add new technology and tools as well as help tax compliance efforts.

?This is another example of how additional IRS resources are helping taxpayers across the country,? said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. ?Adding extra hours provide more options for hard-working taxpayers to get help with their tax issues. The IRS is continuing to work hard both during the upcoming tax season and throughout the year to find ways to make it easier for people to interact with us.?

"We?re inviting anyone who wants or needs some assistance to stop by," added IRS Wage & Investment Division Commissioner and Taxpayer Experience Officer Ken Corbin. "This is one more way the IRS is delivering expanded services to help visitors resolve their tax issues, make a payment or answer general tax-related questions. Whatever the case, we?re offering additional time for taxpayers to get the face-to-face help they may need."

During these additional office hours, TACs will offer all regular services, however for cash payments, taxpayers must have an appointment. If a taxpayer needs in-person identity verification services, they must bring two forms of identification, and one must be a current government-issued photo ID. They should also bring a copy or digital image of the tax return in question if one was filed. Tax return preparation is not a service provided at any IRS TAC.

If a taxpayer needs a sign language interpreter or help with foreign language interpretation, the IRS encourages them to make an appointment. Deaf or hard of hearing individuals who need sign language interpreter services, can call TTY/TDD 800-829-4059 to make an appointment. IRS can also arrange for language interpretation in many languages through an over-the-phone professional translation service.

Tax return preparation options

While tax return preparation is not a service offered at IRS TACs, qualified taxpayers can get help using the following free services:

? Eligible individuals or families 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 Toolor call 800-906-9887.
? To find an AARP Tax-Aide site, use the AARP Site Locator Tool or call 1-888-227-7669.
? Any individual or family earning $79,000 adjusted gross income (AGI) or less in 2023 can use IRS Free File?s Guided Tax Software at no cost. There are products in English and Spanish.
? Free File Fillable Forms are electronic federal tax forms, equivalent to a paper 1040 form. Taxpayers should know how to prepare their own tax return using form instructions and IRS publications, if needed. Anyone, regardless of income, can use the forms. It provides a free option to taxpayers whose AGI is greater than $79,000.
? 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 all military members, and some veterans, with no income limit.
? The IRS is piloting a new tax filing service during the upcoming filing season called Direct File that gives eligible taxpayers a new choice to file their 2023 federal tax returns online, for free, directly with the IRS. Find more information on Direct File about Direct File pilot eligibility, scope and the participating states.

Help available 24/7 at IRS.gov
The fastest and easiest way for people to get the help they need is through IRS.gov. Go to www.irs.govfor more information. Available resources include:
?IRS Online Account: Taxpayers can securely access their individual account information.
? Where?s My Refund?: Taxpayers can check their refund status and estimated delivery date.
? Identity Protection Pin (IP PIN): Taxpayers can prevent someone from using their information to file a fraudulent tax return.
? Get Transcript: Taxpayers can view and print a tax transcript online.
? Direct Pay: Taxpayers can make tax payments or estimated tax payments from their checking or savings account.
? Electronic Federal Tax Payment System: Individuals or businesses can make all types of federal tax payments.
? Online Payment Agreement: Taxpayers can set up installment payments to pay taxes they owe.
? Where?s My Amended Return?: Taxpayers can track the status of their amended return.
? Interactive Tax Law Assistant: Individuals can get answers to many tax questions.
? All IRS Forms and Publications: Individuals can find and download current tax forms, instructions and publications. Those who do not have access to the internet can call 800-829-3676 to order tax forms by mail.

For additional information on available services, see IRS Publication 5136, IRS Services Guide.

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