5 Sources to Get Tax Help for Free
Free tax help is available for almost every reason. It could be that you are working on tuning your tax return from the past year, or simply filing a tax return. Ranging from forums to automated software, there’s always a solution to make the job easier for you. The following 5 sources will help sort your IRS activities, and give you relief knowing it’s all free!
IRS Tax Offices
Depending upon certain income requirements, you can get help from IRS employees to file previous or present year’s return. They can also help in amending the amount you owe to the IRS. First, you should visit the IRS website and see whether you meet the criteria. Once you find that you possess the due qualifications, you should set an appointment with the IRS office nearby. Simply follow the local contact page to see which one is closer to you.
If you meet income requirements, IRS employees will help you file your current, amended or past year’s returns. Check the IRS website for current income requirements, since it can vary each year. If you qualify, you will need to call your local IRS office to set up an appointment. To find the number of your local office, follow this link for the IRS local contact page.
In case your income requirements do not meet the one set by IRS, you can still fix an appointment and sit for a limitless FAQ session! The only thing you will be missing is: no agent will file your return.
When you go to the IRS for a scheduled appointment, don’t forget to bring the following with you:
- Bank statements
- Mortgage statements
- Your W-2s for the year(s) you need help filing
- Investment or Savings accounts statements
- At least two forms of IDs; for example: driver’s license and social security card.
If you are really serious about an IRS appointment, then apply for one straightaway. There are many in the queue waiting for their turn to come.
Affordable or Free Legal Clinics
The law school at your local university could be a good way to start if you have outstanding tax debt pending over your head. There, you may get advices for free or a minimal cost by taking part in a legal clinic. In many cases, the experts at the university are more reliable than many IRS Tax Settlement Firms.
The entire Free Legal Clinic idea is aimed at ensuring practical training and learning opportunities for law students. So, if you are not in a position to hire an attorney, call a law school nearby and ask whether they facilitate free clinics on tax / IRS related issues. If you are lucky enough, you may get a student attorney just for $30!
Community-Based Tax Preparation for Free
Despite significant budget cuts in the recent years, the IRS has a team of volunteers to help file your tax return. It might be that the location of the volunteer is nearer to your place; than that is of the local IRS office. Members of the US armed forces are eligible for free service. Use the IRS helpline to find a location nearby.
Taxpayer Advocate Service Office
The taxpayer advocate service is offered when you are dealing with an issue larger than just filing a return. This criterion of service is available for both individuals and businesses levels, without any consideration of the income level. This is for those who are dealing with long-term issues like tax issues from the last year or so.