It's Tax Season! At the beginning of every year, millions of Americans start the process of filing their taxes in time for the official tax deadline in April. For a lot of people, filing taxes can be an intimidating process, but Benefits.gov has resources to help you get through this tax season while making the process less stressful.
Prepare all the Documents That You Need
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires a lot of information and documentation that is important for the tax filing process. Before you file, you should locate copies of receipts for wages and earnings, mortgage information, medical expenses, charitable donations, investments and more.
Learn How and Where to File Your Tax Returns
The IRS provides free filing options for individuals whose adjusted gross income is $62,000 or less through Free File, a program that offers a variety of free filing software that helps you file your return for free. If you don't meet the income requirement, the IRS also offers Free File Fillable Forms, which are electronic versions of the paper forms.
View tax assistance benefit programs on Benefits.gov. Low-income taxpayers may be eligible for the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) or the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provide taxpayers access to free tax preparation clinics around the country. These programs help those who cannot afford professional tax assistance, those who speak English as a second language, people with disabilities, and the elderly understand their taxpayer rights and responsibilities and provide guidance on how to file your tax returns and handle disputes. There are also special programs for the elderly, veterans, and the disabled. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program, the Armed Forces Tax Benefits program, and the Tax Help for People with Disabilities program all offer resources for tax preparation and special benefits for eligible taxpayers as well.
Need more help?
IRS.gov has published numerous documents and resources to help you file your taxes. Visit some of these resources below:
- IRS FAQ - IRS Frequently Asked Questions and additional information.
- IRS Tax Guide - An updated guide for individuals preparing to file their tax returns.
- IRS Help in Español - The Spanish translated versions of IRS.gov and its resources.
- IRS2Go Mobile Application - Check your refund status, make a payment, and find tax help.
- IRS Highlights - Stay up to date with the latest tax and filing news from the IRS.
- IRS Interactive Tax Assistant - An interactive tool that helps answer your tax questions.
- IRS Where's My Refund? - Check your refund status at IRS.gov quickly, easily and securely
Check out resources and tools offered above to help make your tax filing process easy for you and your loved ones. Be sure to read our articles Tax Season is Around the Corner and Take Time for Taxes for more helpful information and tax assistance resources and tips.
Check our more tax assistance benefits on Benefits.gov and use the Benefit Finder to determine your eligibility for thousands of other benefits.
