The Internal Revenue Service will open 70 Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) on Saturday, March 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., to provide in-person help across the nation. These special Saturday hours are part of the agency’s continuing transformation efforts to improve taxpayer service.
This marks the second of four special Saturday hours to help taxpayers. The IRS also plans special Saturday openings for April 13 and May 18 and also has expanded hours at many locations on Tuesdays and Thursdays to help taxpayers.
At TACs, people meet face-to-face with IRS employees to get help with tax account issues. During these special weekend events, people can visit offices in 70 cities and communities, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
During the events, people can make payments by check or money order, get help with identity authentication and ask about account adjustments, to name a few available services. The IRS can’t accept cash payments during the special Saturday openings. Tax return preparation services are also not available.
Before travelling to an office, the IRS encourages everyone to visit the event page on IRS.gov, Saturday hours, to get current information.
“While taxpayers are on our site, it’s important they also check other IRS.gov pages because the website offers plenty of information and tools, and they might find an online resource that will meet their needs,” said IRS Wage & Investment Commissioner Ken Corbin.
He added that Online Account and Where’s My Refund? are good examples of tools taxpayers can use to get account information without going to an office.
Normally, TACs are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and provide service by appointment. To make an appointment during regular hours, taxpayers can call 844-545-5640.
Services provided
The IRS’s Contact your local office site lists all services provided at specific TACs. Tax return preparation is not a service offered at IRS TACs during these events or normal operating hours. During each event, visitors can get information on free local tax preparation resources. Additionally, File your return, on IRS.gov, gives step-by-step information on how to file individual tax returns.
If someone has questions about a tax bill or IRS audit or they need help resolving a tax problem, they’ll receive assistance from IRS employees specializing in those services. If these employees aren’t available, the individual will receive a referral for these services. IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service employees may also be available to help with some issues.
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 or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers 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 financial 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. 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. 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. Visit Direct File to learn about eligibility, scope and the 12 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 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 Newsroom