WASHINGTON — As part of a continuing effort to improve service this tax season, the Internal Revenue Service today announced special Saturday hours for the next four months at specific Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) across the country.
The special Saturday openings will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Feb. 24, March 16, April 13 and May 18. Offices in dozens of states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico will be open during this special four-month event, with no appointments required.
Currently, more than 50 locations plan to be open on Feb. 24, and more than 70 offices are scheduled for the March 16 event. The IRS encourages taxpayers to visit the special Saturday hours for participating TAC locations.
“We are laser focused on delivering the best service possible for taxpayers. These Saturday hours are designed to help those with busy weekday work schedules get the help they need at a time more convenient for them,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “Funding from the Inflation Reduction Act has enabled us to expand our services, tools and resources for hard-working taxpayers, including these special Saturday openings.”
The IRS encourages everyone to first check IRS.gov for information about these special openings before traveling to an office. They may even find an online resource, such as the Interactive Tax Assistant tool, to answer their question or resolve their tax concern and avoid traveling to an office.
At TACs, people receive in-person help from IRS employees. Ordinarily, these centers are only open Monday through Friday, with appointments normally needed. However, during these Saturday hours, people can walk-in for all services routinely offered at an office, except for making cash payments. To make an appointment during regular hours, call 844-545-5640.
Professional foreign language interpretation will be available in many languages through an over-the-phone translation service. For deaf or hard of hearing individuals who need sign language interpreter services, IRS staff will schedule appointments for a later date. Alternatively, these individuals can call TTY/TDD 800-829-4059 to make an appointment.
Please come prepared
Individuals should bring the following documents when they visit these offices:
- Current government-issued photo identification.
- Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) for themselves and all members of their household, including their spouse and dependents (if applicable).
- Any IRS letters or notices received and related documents.
- For identity verification services, taxpayers will need two forms of identification and, if filed, a copy of the tax return for the year in question.
During the visit, IRS staff may also request the following information:
- A current mailing address.
- Proof of bank account information included on a tax return to receive payments or refunds by direct deposit.
Many TACs extend office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Another option for people to get face-to-face help outside of a TAC’s normal operating hours is to visit before or after regular operating hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Many TACs around the country have extended their office hours on these days until April 16. To see if a nearby TAC is offering the added hours, view its listing at IRS.gov/taclocator.
Tax return preparation options
While tax return preparation is not a service offered at IRS TACs, information will be shared about available local free tax preparation options. Help is also available using the following 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 Tool or call 800-906-9887.
- To find an AARP Tax-Aide site, use the AARP Site Locator Tool or call 888-227-7669.
- Any individual or family whose adjusted gross income (AGI) was $79,000 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. You should know how to prepare your own tax return using form instructions and IRS publications, if needed. Anyone, regardless of income, can use the forms. They are a free option for those 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 Direct File pilot gives eligible taxpayers a new choice to file their 2023 federal tax returns online, for free, directly with the IRS. It will be rolled out in phases and is expected to be widely available in mid-March. Find more about Direct File pilot eligibility, scope and the 12 participating states on Direct File.
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 IRS.gov for more information. Available resources include:
- Where’s my refund?, check refund status and estimated delivery date.
- Get Transcript, view and print a tax transcript online.
- Payments, get information on a variety of 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 or businesses can make all types of federal tax payments.
- Online payment agreement, set up installment payments to pay taxes owed.
- Where’s my amended return?, track the status of an amended return.
- Interactive Tax Assistant and FAQs, get answers to many tax law questions.
- All IRS forms and publications, find and download current tax forms, instructions and publications. Those without 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 GuidePDF
Source: IRS
Getting Help with Tax Preparation:
Navigating tax season can be challenging, especially with ever-changing regulations and complex forms. While this article provides valuable information, you may need additional assistance to file your taxes accurately and efficiently.
Here are some resources to help you:
Free Tax Preparation:
- Taxhelp Nearme (THNM): This IRS-approved VITA program offers free tax preparation services to eligible individuals and families in Tampa, Fl. Their experienced volunteers and tax professionals can help you maximize your refund, claim all available credits and deductions, and ensure your return is filed accurately. Visit their website at thnm.org to find more information and assistance.
- VITA and TCE: The IRS offers a network of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites across the country. These sites provide free tax preparation services to low- and moderate-income individuals and families, as well as seniors. Find a VITA or TCE site near you using the IRS locator tool: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/find-a-location-for-free-tax-prep.
Other Resources:
- IRS Free File: If you have a simple tax return and your adjusted gross income (AGI) is below $79,000 in 2023, you can use the IRS Free File program to file your taxes electronically for free. Choose from a variety of free tax software products offered by IRS partners: https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free.
- IRS Website: The IRS website is a wealth of information on tax laws, forms, and filing instructions. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions, use interactive tools, and get personalized help: https://www.irs.gov/.
Remember:
- Gather all your tax documents before getting your taxes prepared.
- Review your return carefully before submitting it.
- Ask questions if you don’t understand anything.
By taking advantage of these resources and seeking help from qualified professionals when needed, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free tax season.