Last-Minute Tax Tips: April 15 is Around the Corner

With just days remaining before the federal tax-filing deadline, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers they have a variety of options to get help preparing and filing their tax returns on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can also find answers to their tax questions and resolve tax issues on IRS.gov, the official IRS website.

As the tax deadline nears and the demand for IRS tax help by phone is higher, the IRS encourages taxpayers to make IRS.gov their first stop when questions arise, as the website offers answers to many of the most common taxpayer questions, like “Where’s My Refund?“, how to make tax payments and how to get forms and instructions. IRS.gov offers online help for individual taxpayers as well as tax professionals and has more than 358 million page views this tax-filing season.

IRS.gov is also mobile friendly. The website will resize and adapt based on the type of device taxpayers use to access it. This allows a better experience and optimal viewing for those using smart phones or tablets.

Taxpayers have easy access to information through the File, Pay, Refunds, Credits & Deductions and Forms & Instructions links at the top of every page. Additional links give taxpayers one-click access to the help page, news center, content in other languages, information for charities and nonprofits and resources for tax professionals.

The IRS.gov search tool gives taxpayers an easier way to explore the large variety of content on the site. Taxpayers can filter the search results by content type, taxpayer audience type and archived content.

Taxpayers can go to View Your Account Information to securely access information about their federal tax account. They can view the amount they owe, pay online or set up an online payment agreement; access their tax records online; review the past 18 months of payment history; and view key tax return information for the current year as filed. Visit IRS.gov/secureaccess to review the required identity authentication process.

Other self-service tools provide users with around the clock help. There are items for individuals, businesses and tax professionals. For example, the Withholding Calculator can help taxpayers determine if they’re having enough taxes withheld from their paychecks.

Links to IRS YouTube videos are available on a variety of tax topics including extensions, common errors and payment options. This month, the IRS celebrated the 10th anniversary of its YouTube channel launch. During the 10-year period, almost 16 million people viewed user-friendly information in English, Spanish and American Sign Language.

More than 70 percent of taxpayers qualify for free tax software through IRS Free File. This special service is‎ available only on IRS.gov or through the IRS2Go ‎mobile app. The app allows taxpayers to use a smartphone or tablet to prepare and file their tax returns Taxpayers can also use IRS2go to check their refund status, make a payment or access other helpful tools.

Another good first stop is the IRS Services Guide, which provides an overview of the many IRS.gov tools available to taxpayers and tax professionals. For fast answers to general tax questions, taxpayers can search the Interactive Tax Assistant, Tax Topics, Frequently Asked Questions, Tax Trails and IRS Tax Map.

With major changes made by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the IRS encourages taxpayers seeking more information on tax reform to consult two online resources: Publication 5307, Tax Reform: Basics for Individuals and Families, and Publication 5318, Tax Reform: What’s New for Your Business. For other tips and resources, visit IRS.gov/taxreform or check out the Get Ready page on IRS.gov.

All IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers now operate by appointment. Customer service representatives are available by calling 844-545-5640, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., to schedule appointments. Before making an appointment, taxpayers should check the hours of operation and services offered at their nearest TAC.