Tax Assistance

Tax assistance is the free help available to people who need to understand or complete their taxes. The Internal Revenue Service runs phone lines, walk-in centers, and volunteer programs, and states, nonprofits, and community groups offer help as well. Taxpayer advocates exist to help people whose problems have not been solved through normal channels.

People usually bring questions about how to reach the IRS by phone or online, where to find free tax preparation, and who can help with a dispute. They also ask how to get forms and transcripts, how to tell a legitimate tax preparer from a fraudulent one, and what help exists for older adults and low-income filers.