Top Ways to Get Help Now From IRS.gov

Notice: Historical Content


This is an archival or historical document and may not reflect current law, policies or procedures.

IRS Tax Tip 2017-08, February 2, 2017

IRS.gov is a convenient place to get answers when it’s time to file a tax return. Many tools and services are here, available 24/7. Here are some helpful ways to use IRS.gov:

  1. Get Answers to Tax Questions. The Interactive Tax Assistant covers many common tax topics. Type in a question or search terms and it can lead step-by-step to the answer. Or try the IRS Tax Map. It has a list of tax law subjects to review. It combines tax topics, forms, instructions and publications into one research tool.
  2. Get Forms and Publications. View, download and print federal tax forms and publications anytime. Dozens of IRS publications are available for download in ePub format.
  3. Use IRS Free File. File a federal tax return for free using IRS Free File. Taxpayers who earned $64,000 or less can prepare and e-file their taxes using free brand name tax software. With e-file, there is no need to prepare or mail any paper forms to the IRS.
  4. Check on a Refund. The Where’s My Refund? tool is a fast and easy way to check on a tax refund. Use the IRS2Go mobile app to access the tool, or click on the ‘Refunds’ tab on IRS.gov.
  5. Use IRS Direct Pay. Pay taxes due with IRS Direct Pay. It’s a safe, easy and free way to pay from a checking or savings account. Go to IRS.gov/directpay to pay a federal tax bill.
  6. Apply for an IRS Payment Plan. An IRS Online Payment Agreement can be an option for taxpayers who can’t pay all their taxes at once.
  7. Check Out a Charity. Only donate to a qualified charity to deduct the donation on a tax return. Use the IRS EO Select Check tool to see if a charity is qualified.
  8. Calculate Tax Withholding. Taxpayers who got a large refund or owed more taxes than expected may want to change their tax withholding. Use the IRS Withholding Calculator tool to help.  
  9. Get a Transcript. If a taxpayer does not have a copy of their tax return, they may use the Get Transcript self-help tool on IRS.gov to get a tax return transcript.

Taxpayers should keep a copy of their tax return. Beginning in 2017, taxpayers using a software product for the first time may need their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) amount from their prior-year tax return to verify their identity. Taxpayers can learn more about how to verify their identity and electronically sign tax returns at Validating Your Electronically Filed Tax Return.

More IRS resources

IRS YouTube Videos:

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

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