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The IRS recently published a list of tips to help choose a tax preparer. These tips include:
- Check the preparer's qualifications - All paid tax preparers are required to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number or PTIN. You can use the search tool here to check a preparer's credentials.
- Check the Better Business Bureau to see if the preparer has a history of complaints from clients.
- Ask the preparer to e-file your return.
- Never sign a blank tax return.
You can read the full article here.
Alternatively, you can find free tax help in Pasco county through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program. The TCE program helps those who are 60 years of age and older and they specialize in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. You can look for nearby sites for help by going to this webpage: Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers or by calling 211 (the Pasco County United Way helpline).
The IRS will not be sending the instruction booklets for the 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ to any libraries this year. They will only be sending the main forms to libraries. If you would like to get the print instructions, you can call or write to the IRS and they will send the booklets to your home.
You can order forms and instructions online here:
Forms and Publications by Mail
or call 1-800-829-3676 - to order tax products to be delivered by mail.
There will be free tax help in Pasco county through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program. The TCE program helps those who are 60 years of age and older and they specialize in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. This assistance will start sometime near the end of January. You can look for nearby sites for help by going to this webpage: Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers or by calling 211 (the Pasco County United Way helpline) at the end of January.
The IRS has partnered with many nonprofit and community organizations to provide tax preparation services for low- to moderate-income and elderly taxpayers. Certified AARP Tax-Aide volunteer counselors can help you to prepare your tax return. In Pasco County, you can call dial 211 on your phone to find the nearest location and schedule an appointment to get help with preparing your taxes. If you do not live in Pasco County, you can search for your nearest tax help location by searching on the AARP webpage, here.
If you need to contact the Internal Revenue Service directly, here is their contact information:
IRS Phone Assistance for Individuals:
Toll-Free, 1-800-829-1040 Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. your local time
Local Tampa IRS Office:
If you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit or your Income is $50,000.00 or less, they can help you to prepare your Federal Tax Return, However, this service is only available on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
3848 W. Columbus Dr.
Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 348-1831
Monday-Friday - 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
The Internal Revenue Service has many tax breaks for families, homeowners, and other groups. In this economy citizens need all the help they can get. The IRS has a series of videos describing the tax breaks available. You can view these on YouTube or on Pasco County's e-government tools page. Click on "E-Government Videos." Check these and other e-government videos brought to you by Pasco County Libraries.
The United Way of Pasco can help individuals and families file their income tax returns for free. It is as easy as dialing 211. Pasco United Way partnered with the IRS and has trained volunteers working at various locations in Pasco County to prepare taxes for citizens. Call 211 and the information referral specialist will arrange an appointment for you to have your taxes prepared at a location closest to your home.
If you really want to do those taxes yourself, remember you can file your return electronically (e-file). To e-file you log on to the IRS website, click on e-file and you will be directed to various websites which you can use to file your taxes. Read through the descriptions and pick the best agency that fits your circumstances.
