Preparing for the Tax Season
It’s time to get ready for the 2019 tax season. The IRS provides information, tools, options and resources for filing taxes as well as tips to help us detect and protect against identity theft. Following is information to help you move smoothly through this tax season.
Contact the IRS: With tax season in full swing, the IRS receives millions of calls and visits to their website daily. You can call 800-829-1040 but be prepared for delays and an automated phone menu. The quickest and fastest way to get information 24/7 is at IRS.gov.
Tax Questions: Use the Interactive Tax Assistant for help. This tool provides answers to a number of tax law questions. It can determine if a type of income is taxable, if you're eligible to claim certain credits, and if you can deduct expenses on your tax return. It also provides answers for general questions, such as determining your filing status, if you can claim dependents, if you have to file a tax return, etc.
Forms and publications: You can download hundreds of publications and guides on almost any tax-related topic. The instructions for a particular form can often provide the answers you need. You can also call 1-800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676) to have forms mailed to your home for free.
Previous years' tax info: You may register to use Get Transcript Online to view, print, or download many types of transcripts. If you prefer not to use Get Transcript Online, order a tax return transcript and/or a tax account transcript using Get Transcript by Mail or call 800-908-9946. You can also request many transcripts by faxing or mailing Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.
File Your Tax Refund Early: Last year, tax scammers used stolen social security numbers to file tax returns to get fraudulent refunds. By filing early in the tax season, you decrease the opportunity for scammers to take refunds owed to legitimate consumers. If you get a letter from the IRS that you feel might involve fraud, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490. You can learn more about tax identity theft at the FTC and the IRS. The IRS will begin accepting returns on January 29. If you expect to receive a refund, don't wait to file.
Check on your refund: Use Where's My Refund? or the automated system at 1-800-829-1954. IRS phone representatives don't have any additional information beyond what these tools provide.
Understanding a notice: If you receive a notice or letter from IRS, call the number on the top right-hand corner of the notice or letter or you can write using the address provided. If you receive a notice or letter that looks suspicious, call the IRS at 800-829-1040. The IRS never ask taxpayers for personal information by phone, e-mail or social media. Report phishing and online scams.
Don’t pay for tax preparation if you don’t need to: Free community-based assistance is available in Fairfax County from certified IRS volunteers. Review dates and locations for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) throughout Fairfax County get information for other free tax assistance available at many Fairfax County libraries. Review Free File software options and get tips for choosing a tax preparer at IRS.gov.
Payment plans: If you owe taxes and can’t pay the full amount you owe, file on time and pay as much as you can with your tax return. The more you can pay on time, the less interest and penalty charges you will owe. Publication 4849 outlines options available to you.
Business taxpayers: Taxpayers with business-related questions should call 1-800-829-4933 or review topics for businesses at IRS.gov.
Taxpayer Advocate Service: The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is your voice at the IRS. It is an independent organization within the IRS that protects your rights as a taxpayer and will help you with tax problems you can’t resolve on your own. Contact the local TAS office for Virginia by calling 804- 916-3501.