If you need tax information or help preparing your federal income tax return, the IRS offers free information and services online, by phone and in person.
The IRS.gov website has online tools like the Interactive Tax Assistant to answer questions, Free File where you can prepare and efile your tax return and Where’s My Refund? to check on the status of your refund.
Besides getting many of the answers you need online, you can also get free personal tax help Monday through Friday by calling 800-829-1040 from 7 a.m. a.m. to 7 p.m.
You can download tax forms and publications at IRS.gov, or order them at 800-829-3676. You can check the status of your refund by using Where’s My Refund?, or by calling 800-829-4477, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can also stop by your local IRS office. Visit IRS.gov, click on the “Help & Resources” tab and then click “Contact Your Local IRS Office” for IRS office locations, hours and services offered. The IRS also works with community organizations to train and certify volunteers to prepare tax returns. Both are free and offered in many local areas. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program helps people who make $51,000 or less prepare and file their tax returns. Between January and April visit IRS.gov or call 800-906-9887 for a list of VITA sites.
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly program is a similar service for seniors. To find a TCE or AARP Tax-Aide site during this same period, go to AARP.org or call 888-227-7669 (888-AARPNOW).
