As part of a larger mission of helping all taxpayers understand and meet their tax responsibilities, the IRS has launched an account on Instagram, adding this platform to its social media portfolio.
The IRSNews account (https://www.instagram.com/irsnews) will provide taxpayers the latest information on a variety of topics as taxpayers face numerous tax law changes for the upcoming 2019 filing season related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The IRS Instagram account will share taxpayer-friendly information to help people Get Ready for the upcoming tax season. And it will provide the latest tax scam information to help support the Security Summit initiative, a joint effort between the IRS, states and the nation’s tax industry to combat tax-related identity theft.
“The addition of Instagram is another step for the IRS to share information more widely and reach additional taxpayers,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “This platform will help make people aware of important options they have during the upcoming filing season as well as other tax information they might not be aware. The IRS will continue to work with and help taxpayers in as many ways possible.”
Research shows that more than 70 percent of U.S. young adults between 18 and 24 are active on Instagram. The IRS plans to use Instagram to better serve this segment of the population, sharing content on tax topics that affect all taxpayers.
The IRS Instagram account will also periodically share information in Spanish and other languages.
@IRSnews will also work in conjunction with IRS.gov and other existing agency social media options.
Other social media platforms offering official IRS information include:
- YouTube. The IRS offers video tax tips in English, Spanish or American Sign Language.
- Twitter. Follow @IRSnews for tax-related announcements and tips. @IRStaxpros tweets news and guidance for tax professionals. Tweets from @IRSenEspanol have and the latest tax information in Spanish.
- Facebook. News and information for taxpayers and tax return preparers.
- LinkedIn. The IRS shares agency updates and job opportunities.
The IRS social media effort works closely with IRS2Go.Taxpayers can use this free mobile app to check their refund status, pay taxes, watch IRS YouTube videos and get IRS Tax Tips via email. Like Instagram, the IRS2Go app is available from the Google Play Store for Android devices, or from the Apple App Store for Apple devices. IRS2Go is available in both English and Spanish, based on the phone settings.
The IRS also reminds taxpayers they can subscribe to a number of email subscription services for the latest tax information. Taxpayers can visit e-News subscriptions to sign up.
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