Ten Great Reasons to Visit IRS.gov

Notice: Historical Content


This is an archival or historical document and may not reflect current law, policies or procedures.

IRS Tax Tip 2015-11, February 3, 2015

No matter when you need tax help or information, your best option is to visit IRS.gov. Our website has many tools and services, which make getting help from the IRS just a click away. Here are ten great reasons to visit IRS.gov, night or day:

  1. Use IRS Free File.  If you need to file your tax return, you can e-file for free by using IRS Free File. If you earned $60,000 or less you can prepare and e-file your taxes using free brand name tax software. If you made more, you can use Free File Fillable Forms. This option is the electronic version of IRS paper forms.  
     
  2. 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 list of tax law subjects to select. It integrates tax topics, forms, instructions and publications into one research tool.
     
  3. Get health care tax information.  IRS.gov has information about the Affordable Care Act at IRS.gov/aca. You can visit this site for details on how the health care law affects your taxes. For example, the pages provide information about:
    • Reporting health insurance coverage.
    • Claiming an exemption from the coverage requirement.
    • Making an individual shared responsibility payment.
    • Claiming the premium tax credit.
    • Reconciling advance payments of the premium tax credit.

    You can also use the Interactive Tax Assistant tool for help on how some of these laws apply to your situation.
     

  4. Check out a charity.  You must donate to a qualified charity if you want to deduct the donation on your tax return. Use the IRS Select Check tool to see if a charity is qualified.
     
  5. 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 the tool, or click on the ‘Refunds’ tab on IRS.gov.
     
  6. Try IRS Direct Pay.  If you owe taxes, pay with IRS Direct Pay. It’s a safe, easy and free way to pay from your checking or savings account. Go to IRS.gov/directpay to pay your federal tax bill.
     
  7. 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.
     
  8. Get forms and publications.  View, download and print federal tax forms and publications anytime.
     
  9. Calculate your tax withholding.  If you get a larger refund or owe more taxes than you expect when you file your tax return, you may need to change your tax withholding. You can complete and give your employer a new Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate. Use the IRS Withholding Calculator tool to help you fill out a new form.
     
  10. 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.

If you found this Tax Tip helpful, please share it through your social media platforms. A great way to get tax information is to use IRS Social Media. You can also subscribe to IRS Tax Tips or any of our e-news subscriptions.

Additional IRS Resources:

IRS YouTube Videos:

  • Welcome to Free File – English (Obsolete)
  • Interactive Tax Assistant – English | ASL (Obsolete)
  • Exempt Organizations Select Check – English | Spanish | ASL (Obsolete)
  • When Will I Get My Refund? – English | Spanish | ASL

IRS Podcasts: 

  • Interactive Tax Assistant – English (Obsolete)
  • When Will I Get My Refund? – English | Spanish (Obsolete)
  • Exempt Organizations Select Check – English | Spanish (Obsolete)

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