To enhance service accessibility during the tax season, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) unveiled a groundbreaking initiative, offering special Saturday hours at select Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) across the United States.
Commencing on February 24 and spanning over the next four months, taxpayers can avail themselves of face-to-face assistance from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on specific Saturdays—February 24, March 16, April 13, and May 18—at designated TACs across multiple states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Notably, appointments will not be required during these special hours.
IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel emphasized the significance of these extended hours, highlighting their pivotal role in accommodating individuals with busy weekday schedules. He reiterated the IRS’s unwavering commitment to providing top-notch service to taxpayers, further underscored by the agency’s utilization of funds from the Inflation Reduction Act to bolster its service capabilities.
Over 50 TACs are slated to open their doors on February 24, with more than 70 offices gearing up for the March 16 event. The IRS urges taxpayers to consult IRS.gov for comprehensive information regarding participating TACs, ensuring a seamless experience.
During these special Saturday hours, individuals can access a gamut of services traditionally offered at TACs sans the need for prior appointments, except for cash payments. Moreover, the IRS will provide professional foreign language interpretation services via phone and accommodate deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals through sign language interpreter services or TTY/TDD appointments.
Taxpayers are advised to come prepared with essential documents, including government-issued photo identification, Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) for all household members, IRS letters or notices, and relevant tax documents for identity verification purposes.
For entrepreneurs, self-employed individuals, and small business owners seeking assistance, the IRS urges exploration of available options beyond TAC visits. These options encompass extending TAC operating hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays until April 16 and tapping into free tax preparation services offered by Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), and AARP Tax-Aide sites.
Furthermore, eligible taxpayers can leverage IRS Free File resources for tax return preparation, while military personnel and veterans can benefit from MilTax services. Additionally, the IRS is rolling out the Direct File pilot, allowing eligible taxpayers to file federal tax returns online directly with the agency, with anticipated widespread availability in mid-March.
Amidst these initiatives, the IRS emphasizes the convenience of accessing assistance 24/7 through IRS.gov, offering a plethora of resources ranging from refund status tracking to online payment options and interactive tax assistance tools, ensuring a seamless tax-filing experience for all.
Source (IRS News).
