Top 10 Reasons to Visit IRS.gov this Summer

Notice: Historical Content


This is an archival or historical document and may not reflect current law, policies or procedures.

IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2014-05, July 14, 2014

If you need tax help or information, your best option is to visit the IRS.gov website. Our many online tools and services make it easy for you to do business with the IRS. Here are ten good reasons to visit IRS.gov this summer:

  1. Use IRS Free File.  If you still need to file your 2013 tax return, you can e-file for free by using IRS Free File through Oct. 15. If you earned $58,000 or less you can prepare and e-file your taxes using tax software for free. If you made more, you can use Free File Fillable Forms to e-file for free. This option is the electronic version of IRS paper forms. 
     
  2. Check on your refund.  The Where’s My Refund? tool is a fast and easy way to check on your tax refund. Use the IRS2Go mobile app to access it or click on the ‘Refunds’ tab on IRS.gov.
     
  3. Try IRS Direct Pay.  If you owe taxes, pay with IRS Direct Pay, our safe, easy and free way to pay from your checking or savings account. Just click on the ‘Pay Your Tax Bill’ link on the IRS home page.
     
  4. Apply for an IRS payment plan.  If you can’t pay all your taxes at once, apply for an IRS Online Payment Agreement. A direct debit payment plan is a great way to pay. It has a lower set-up fee, you won’t miss a payment and you won’t get an IRS reminder to send a check each month.
     
  5. Correct your tax withholding.  If you got a big refund or owed a large amount of tax when you filed your tax return, then you may need to change your tax withholding. To make a change, complete and give your employer a new Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate. The IRS Withholding Calculator tool can help you fill out a new
    Form W-4.
     
  6. Get health care tax information.  The IRS website also has information about the Affordable Care Act tax provisions at IRS.gov/aca. You can visit this site for educational material that describes how the health care law tax provisions affect individuals and businesses. The pages provide information about tax provisions that are in effect now and those that will go into effect in 2015 and beyond. You can find information about the law and its provisions, legal guidance, the latest news, frequently asked questions and links to additional resources.
     
  7. Get a tax transcript.  If you apply for a loan or student financial aid, you may need a tax transcript. Visit IRS.gov and use the Get Transcript tool.
     
  8. Check out a charity.  You must donate to a qualified charity if you want to deduct the gift on your tax return. Use the IRS Select Check tool to see if a charity is qualified.
     
  9. Get answers to tax questions.  The Interactive Tax Assistant covers many common tax topics. Type in your question or search terms and it can lead you step-by-step to the answer. The IRS Tax Map gives you a single point of access to tax law information by subject. It integrates tax topics, forms, instructions and publications into one research tool.
     
  10. Get forms and publications.  View, download and print federal tax forms and publications anytime you want.

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