Top 10 Ways to Effortlessly Access IRS Help and Resources Online

When you’re looking for tax information, you want to find it as quickly and easily as possible. That’s why the IRS redesigned its website. It’s now even more user-friendly.

1. Get 24/7 Access

Whether you choose to complete your taxes during the day or at night, IRS.gov provides the necessary tax forms and answers at your convenience. It’s accessible all day, every day. The Interactive Tax Assistant is a helpful tool that will answer many of your tax law questions. Numerous tax forms, publications, and information are also available in Spanish.

2. Use Free File

Anyone can prepare and e-file their taxes for free with IRS Free File. Offered exclusively at IRS.gov, Free File’s brand-name software or fillable forms do the work for you. If you made $57,000 or less, you qualify to use free tax software. If your income is more than $57,000 or you feel comfortable preparing your tax return, use Free File Fillable Forms. This option provides the electronic versions of IRS paper forms.

3. Try IRS e-file

Whether you do your own taxes or hire a preparer, IRS e-filing is the safest, easiest, and most popular way to file a complete and accurate tax return. Since 1990, taxpayers have e-filed more than one billion returns. If you owe taxes, e-file gives you options to file early and pay by the tax deadline. If you are due a refund, you should receive it in less than 21 days.

4. Check Your Refund Status

You can track your refund using the enhanced “Where’s My Refund?” tool. It’s quick, easy and secure and has a new look this year. You can start checking on the status of your refund within 24 hours after the IRS has received your e-filed return. You can check your refund status four weeks after you mail a paper return. The tool includes a tracker that displays the progress of your return in three stages while it is processed. Once the IRS approves your refund, “Where’s My Refund?” will give a date to expect it.

5. Make Payments Electronically

E-payments are a convenient, safe, and secure way to pay taxes. You can authorize an electronic fund withdrawal, use a credit or debit card or enroll in the U.S. Treasury’s Electronic Federal Tax Payment System.

6. Use the EITC Assistant

The Earned Income Tax Credit is a tax credit for working people who earned less than $50,270 in 2012. The credit can be worth as much as $5,891. Check your eligibility using the EITC Assistant tool. You may be among the millions of eligible workers who get the EITC this year.

7. Get Tax Forms and Publications

You can view and download tax forms and publications any time. It’s the easiest way to get IRS forms and publications.

8. Figure the Right Withholding

The IRS Withholding Calculator will help to ensure you don’t have too much or too little income tax withheld from your pay.

9. Request a Payment Agreement

Paying all your taxes on time avoids penalties and interest. However, if you cannot pay your taxes in full, you may be eligible to use the Online Payment Agreement Application to request an installment agreement.

10. Get the Latest Tax Law Changes

Learn about tax law changes that may affect your tax return. Special sections of the website highlight changes that affect individual and business taxpayers.

How to Get IRS Forms and Publications

The Internal Revenue Service provides free tax forms and publications on a wide variety of topics – from tax credits for individuals to a tax guide for small businesses.

Here are four easy ways to obtain tax forms and publications from the IRS:

1. On the Internet

You can get IRS forms and instructions quickly and easily by visiting the IRS.gov website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They often appear online before they are available on paper. To view and download tax products, select “Forms and Pubs.”

2. By Telephone

Call 1-800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676) Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time to order current or prior year forms and instructions or IRS publications. Hours of service in Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific Time. You will receive your order by mail, usually within 7 to 10 days.

3. In IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers

There are Taxpayer Assistance Centers located across the country where you can pick up many IRS forms and publications. IRS offices also offer face-to-face help for taxpayers who want personal tax assistance.

To find the Center nearest to you, visit IRS.gov and click on “Help & Resources” and then “Contact Your Local IRS Office.” Select your state for a list of offices, as well as a list of services available at each office. You can also find a Center near you by using the “Office Locator” link, which allows you to search by using your zip code.

4. In Your Community

Many libraries and post offices offer free tax forms during the tax filing season. Some libraries also have copies of commonly requested IRS publications.

For additional information about free IRS tax products and services, see Publication 2053A, Quick and Easy Access to IRS Tax Help and Forms, and Publication 910, IRS Guide to Free Tax Services.