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Revision as of 17:26, 27 February 2008
, 17:26, 27 February 2008TT-2008-40: FREE TAX HELP FOR THE MILITARY
More information can be found in IRS Publication 929, Tax Rules for Children and Dependents. This publication and Form 8615 are available on the IRS Web site at IRS.gov in the Forms and Publications section. You may also order them by calling the IRS at 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
More information can be found in IRS Publication 929, Tax Rules for Children and Dependents. This publication and Form 8615 are available on the IRS Web site at IRS.gov in the Forms and Publications section. You may also order them by calling the IRS at 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
== TT-2008-39: IRS TOLL-FREE HELP ==
Free tax help from the IRS is just a phone call away. The IRS provides various services through its toll-free telephone numbers. Some of these services are available 24 hours a day.
* '''Ask questions about your tax return.''' You can call the IRS Tax Help Line for Individuals customer service line, 800-829-1040, to get answers to your federal tax questions. The IRS Tax Help Line is available from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (local time) on weekdays. Alaska and Hawaii will follow Pacific Time.
* '''Order forms and publications.''' Call 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676). Copies of forms, publications and other helpful information are also available around-the-clock at the IRS Web site at [http://www.irs.gov/ www.irs.gov].
* '''Check the status of your refund.''' Call the Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954. You will need to know your filing status and the exact whole-dollar amount of your expected refund. The Refund Hotline is available from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (local time) on weekdays. Alaska and Hawaii will follow Pacific Time. TeleTax, the automated refund line, at 800-829-4477 is available around the clock and will also let you check the status of your income tax refund. Automated refund information is generally available four to five weeks after you have filed your tax return. You can also check the status of your refund at IRS.gov by clicking on Where’s My Refund? This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
* '''Recorded tax information:''' The TeleTax line at 800-829-4477 has recorded messages covering more than 100 tax topics. Topics include items such as Who Must File?, Highlights of Tax Changes, Education Credits, Individual Retirement Accounts, Earned Income Tax Credit, What to Do if You Can't Pay Your Tax and more.
* '''Hearing-impaired individuals with access to TTY/TDD equipment.''' Call 800-829-4059 to ask questions or to order forms and publications. This number is answered only by TTY/TDD equipment. The TTY/TDD numbers are available from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (local time) on weekdays. Alaska and Hawaii will follow Pacific Time.
The automated services offered on the IRS toll-free lines are also available 24 hours a day 7 days a week on the Internet at IRS.gov.
== TT-2008-40: FREE TAX HELP FOR THE MILITARY ==
If you, or your spouse, are a member of the military, you may be eligible to receive free assistance with the preparation and filing of your federal tax return. The U.S. Armed Forces participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). The Armed Forces Tax Council (AFTC) oversees the operation of the military tax programs worldwide, and serves as the main conduit for outreach by the IRS to military personnel and their families. The AFTC consists of tax program coordinators for the Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard.
Military-based VITA sites provide free tax advice, tax preparation, return filing and other tax assistance to military members and their families. The volunteer assistors are trained to address military-specific tax issues, such as combat zone tax benefits.
Military commanders support the program by detailing members of the military to prepare returns and by providing space and equipment for tax centers. The IRS supports these efforts by providing tax software and training.
To receive this free assistance, you should bring the following records to your military VITA site:
* Valid photo identification
* Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents or a social security number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
* Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents
* Current year’s tax package, if you received one
* Wage and earning statement(s) -- Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R
* Interest and dividend statements (Forms 1099)
* A copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns, if available
* Bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit
* Total amount paid for day care
* Day care provider’s identifying number
* Other relevant information about income and expenses
If your filing status is Married Filing Jointly and you wish to file your tax return electronically, both you and your spouse should be present to sign the required forms. If it isn’t possible for both to be present, a valid power of attorney that allows tax preparation can be used to sign and file the return.
For more information, review IRS Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide, available on the IRS Web site at IRS.gov or order a free copy by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
== TT-2008-41: FREE TAX SERVICES ==
The IRS provides free publications, forms and other tax material and information to help taxpayers meet their tax obligations. Free help is available on the IRS website, by phone, at local IRS offices and at many community locations.
* '''IRS.gov''' You can access free tax information at IRS.gov. At 1040 Central on the Individuals page, you can obtain forms, instructions and publications, learn about IRS e-file, determine your eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit, read about the latest tax changes and find answers to Frequently Asked Questions. Most taxpayers can use Free File, available only through the IRS.gov Web site, to electronically prepare and file their federal tax return – for free! You can also check the status of your refund at IRS.gov by clicking on Where’s My Refund, a service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
* '''Telephone''' Call the IRS Tax Help Line for Individuals, 800-829-1040, to get answers to your federal tax questions. To order free forms, instructions and publications call 800-829-3676. To hear pre-recorded messages covering various tax topics or check on the status of your refund, call 800-829-4477. TTY/TDD users may call 800-829-4059 to ask tax questions or to order forms and publications.
* '''Community Resources''' Free tax preparation is available through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs in many communities. Volunteer return preparation programs provided through IRS and its partners offer free help in preparing simple tax returns for low- to moderate-income taxpayers. Call 800-829-1040 to find the VITA or TCE site nearest you. You may also call AARP — the largest TCE participant — at 888-227-7669 (888-AARPNOW) or access [http://www.aarp.org/ www.aarp.org] to find the nearest Tax-Aide site.
* '''Taxpayer Assistance Centers''' When you believe your tax issue cannot be handled online or by phone, and you want face-to-face assistance, you can find help at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center. Locations, business hours and an overview of services are at IRS.gov.
For more information about services provided by the IRS, review Publication 910, IRS Guide to Free Tax Services available at IRS.gov or by calling 800-829-3676.
== External Links ==
== External Links ==
