COVID Tax Tip 2022-35, March 7, 2022 To help people during this year's filing season, many IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers across the country will have special Saturday hours. These centers provide taxpayers with in-person help. The TACs are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., local time, March 12, April 9 and May 14. No appointments are required. Taxpayers can receive walk-in help on all services, however, the TACs will not accept cash payments on these Saturdays. During the extra operating hours, people can also ask about reconciling advance child tax credit payments and receive other help. Taxpayers should visit the Face-to-Face Saturday Help page of IRS.gov to see which TACs will be open on select Saturdays. TAC services The Contact Your Local Office tool on IRS.gov helps taxpayers find the closest IRS TAC, the days and hours of operation and a list of services provided. While tax return preparation is not a service offered at IRS TACs during regular hours or during these Saturday hours, the following free resources are available to help most taxpayers prepare and file their 2021 federal tax returns anytime. Any individual or family earning $73,000 or less in 2021 can use tax software through IRS Free File at no cost. There are products in English and Spanish. Free help preparing tax returns is available at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or Tax Counseling for the Elderly sites. To find the closest free tax return preparation help, taxpayers can use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887. Taxpayers can use the AARP Site Locator Tool or call 888-227-7669 to find the closest TCE site. Generally the income limit for VITA assistance is $58,000. Taxpayers should bring the following when visiting a TAC: Current government-issued photo identification Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification numbers for members of their household, including spouse and dependents, if applicable Any IRS letters or notices received and related documents IRS staff may also request the following information: A current mailing address An email address Bank account information, to receive payments or refunds by direct deposit Direct deposit is the safest and most convenient way to receive a tax refund. Taxpayers who don't have a bank account should visit the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation website for details on opening an account online. They can also use the FDIC's BankFind tool to find an FDIC-insured bank. BankOn, American Bankers Association, Independent Community Bankers of America, and National Credit Union Administration have lists of banks and credit unions that allow people to open an account online. Veterans can use the Veterans Benefits Banking Program to learn about financial services at participating banks. IRS staff will schedule appointments for a later date for individuals who need sign language interpreter services. Foreign language interpreters will be available. The IRS follows Centers for Disease Control social distancing guidelines for COVID-19, and availability may change without notice. People are required to wear face masks and social distance at these events. People who need to pay their federal taxes with cash can visit IRS.gov for payment options. Subscribe to IRS Tax Tips
