Tax Assistance
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Tax Assistance
Normally, much help is available from the IRS just by calling its number at 800-829-1040. During times of budget cuts, however, there is less help from the IRS than there was in years past. However, there are sources of help that are independent of the IRS.
Things To Know
- VITA provides free help.
- The earned income tax credit is a great help to low-income workers.
Low income taxpayer clinics
Low income taxpayer clinics (LITCs) are independent and serve those whose income is below a certain level and who need to resolve a tax problem. They provide professional representation before the IRS or in court on audits, appeals, tax collection disputes, and other issues for free or for a small fee. Some clinics can provide information about taxpayer rights and responsibilities in many different languages for individuals who speak English as a second language. For more information and to find a clinic near you, see IRS Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List.
IRS Publication 910, IRS Guide to Free Tax Services, provides some additional information.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program
You can get free help preparing your return nationwide from IRS-certified volunteers. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program helps low-to-moderate income, elderly, people with disabilities, and limited English proficient taxpayers. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program helps taxpayers age 60 and older with their tax returns. Most VITA and TCE sites offer free electronic filing and all volunteers will let you know about credits and deductions you may be entitled to claim. To find the nearest VITA or TCE site, you can use the VITA Locator Tool on IRS.gov, download the IRS2Go app, or call 1-800-906-9887.
The earned income tax credit
If you are low- or moderate-income, the earned income tax credit was made for you. Certain people who think they don’t qualify for it actually do, so it pays to at least look into it every year.
To qualify for it, you must have earned income from employment, self-employment or another source and meet certain rules. Also, you must either meet the additional rules for workers without a qualifying child or have a child who meets all the qualifying child rules for you.
The EITC is refundable, meaning that even if you don’t owe any tax, you can still get the credit paid to you. Go to the EITC home page to start looking into it.