Face-to-face IRS help without an appointment available during special Saturday opening
WASHINGTON — Although filing season has come and gone, the Internal Revenue Service recognizes taxpayers still need assistance. To help taxpayers, the IRS today announced many Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) around the country, including Puerto Rico, will be open and offering face-to-face help on Saturday, May 14.
This special Saturday help is available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and without an appointment. Normally, TACs are open by appointment only on weekdays.
"We're offering Saturday office hours so people can get the help they need," said Taxpayer Experience Officer and IRS Wage & Investment Division Commissioner Ken Corbin. "We recognize and understand not everyone can get to an appointment during normal business hours."
The IRS.gov webpage, Contact Your Local IRS Office, lists all TAC services offered during the event and regular office hours. Many have used a Saturday visit to ask about IRS identity protection services, or to request Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs), refunds and payment options. Taxpayers can make payments by check or money order. The IRS will not accept cash during these events.
People can also ask about using the IRS's Tax Withholding Estimator, reconciling the advance Child Tax Credit or third-round of Economic Impact Payments. They can inquire about a tax bill, an IRS audit or a TAC's other available services. If assistance is not available from IRS employees specializing in these services, individuals will receive a referral for them. Taxpayer Advocate Service employees may also be available to assist with issues that meet certain criteria.
Foreign language interpreters will be available. IRS staff will schedule appointments for a later date for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals who need sign language interpreter services.
Before going to a TAC, Corbin encouraged everyone to visit IRS.gov where they'll find many online resources that are safe, secure, convenient and explain how to prepare for a visit. This information is available in both English and Spanish.
"We'd like to help everyone get the most out of their time with us," he said. "Because appointments aren't necessary for these special Saturday hours, wait times can be longer than usual, so plan accordingly and come prepared."
Come prepared with paperwork
To arrive prepared, individuals should bring the following information:
Current government-issued photo identification, Social Security cards for members of their household, including spouse and dependents (if applicable),
Any IRS letters or notices received and related documents, and
Those who plan to request identity verification services must bring two forms of identification and a copy of the tax return filed for the year in question, if they filed a return.
During the visit, IRS staff may also request the following information:
A current mailing address, and
Bank account information to receive payments or refunds by Direct Deposit.
The IRS follows Centers for Disease Control social distancing guidelines for COVID-19, and availability may change without notice. When required by CDC guidance, such as in high transmission counties, it's mandatory for people to wear face masks and social distance at these events.
Free tax return services provided at Puerto Rico TAC IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) community partners will be available at the Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, TAC providing free tax preparation. Additional tax preparation assistance can be found in Puerto Rico by using the VITA/TCE Locator Tool. Puerto Rico residents can enter 00638 in the ZIP Code field, and search in a 100-mile radius to get a list of open sites.
Tax return preparation will not be available at any of the other event locations. However, some community partners are still providing free tax preparation services even though the filing season ended April 18. The VITA Locator Tool lists community partners that are still open.
Anyone who still needs to file a 2021 federal tax return can use these free, safe and convenient resources:
1. Any individual or family earning $73,000 or less in 2021 can use tax software from providers who make their online products available through IRS Free File at no cost. There are products in English and Spanish. Note: Form 1040-PR, U.S. Self-Employment Tax Return (Including the Additional Child Tax Credit for Bona Fide Residents of Puerto Rico (in Spanish))PDF, is not available through IRS Free File. Individuals filing Form 1040-PR can use MyFreeTaxes instead.
1. Free help preparing tax returns is available at any open Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Center or Tax Counseling for the Elderly location site. The income limit for VITA assistance is $58,000. To find the closest free tax return preparation help, use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887.