FINANCIAL NEWS
IRS announce extraordinary taxpayer help: when and where are offices open?
In an attempt to provide an improved service across the main tax period, the agency is taking additional steps.
Are you looking for more support with your taxes from the Internal Revenue Service? Well you are in luck, as new measures are being brought in, with the IRS announcing special Saturday hours for the following four months. These will be available at Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) across the nation as part of an ongoing effort to improve service during current tax season. Let’s have a look at what the agency has said.
IRS open offices for additional tax support
On February 11, March 11, April 8, and May 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., ‘special Saturdays’ will be made available. Throughout this unique four-month event, offices in numerous states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico will be open without an appointment. On February 11, more than 40 sites anticipate opening, while 58 offices expect to be opening on March 11. For the most recent details on the exclusive Saturday hours, the IRS invites taxpayers to visit a special page on IRS.gov.
Acting IRS Commissioner Doug O’Donnell explained the plans.
“These Saturday openings are part of the extra steps the IRS is taking to make a difference for taxpayers,” he began. “IRS employees are working hard to help people by making improvements across our operations. These walk-in locations are critical, and funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is allowing us to add more employees across the nation to better assist taxpayers this filing season and beyond. These special Saturday hours will help people get the services they need.”
Before visiting an office, the IRS advises everyone to check IRS.gov for information on these special openings. To skip a journey, they might even find an internet resource to address their tax issue.
Individuals can speak with IRS representatives in person at these TACs. These facilities often don’t operate on Saturdays, and clients are need to make appointments in order to obtain treatments.
People can walk in for all regular office services during these Saturday hours, with the exception of paying with cash. Among other things, they can inquire about creating an online account and obtaining an identity protection PIN.
What documents do I need to bring to the IRS offices?
The agency has provided clear guidelines to help people prepare for their office visit:
- Current government-issued photo identification,
- Social Security cards or ITINs for themselves and all members of their household, including their spouse and dependents (if applicable),
- Any IRS letters or notices received and related documents,
- For identity verification services, two forms of identification and, if filed, a copy of the tax return for the year in question.
It’s worth noting that during the visit, you may also be asked to provide information on a current mailing address and proof of bank account information included on a tax return to receive payments or refunds by direct deposit.
What services will be provided?
All services offered at particular TACs are listed on the IRS’s Contact Your Local Office website.
IRS professionals with expertise in those areas will assist anyone with questions they may have regarding a tax bill, an IRS audit, or a tax issue. If these staff members aren’t available, the person will be referred to someone who can provide these services. Employees of the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service may also be able to assist with certain other problems.
A telephone translation service will provide professional interpretation services in a variety of languages. The IRS staff will make appointments at later dates for deaf or hard of hearing people who require sign language interpreter services. To schedule an appointment, these people can instead dial TTY/TDD 800-829-4059.