Free Tax Resources

Taxpayers needing assistance in preparing their tax returns or help in resolving problems with the IRS can find free assistance through publicly-funded organizations. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax preparation service to taxpayers with low and moderate income, usually $39,000 or less. Taxpayers age 60 and older can also receive free tax preparation from AARP's Tax Aide program. Tax clinics provide free or low-cost access to tax professionals who help taxpayers deal with audits, collection matters, or even taking your case to Tax Court. The clinics are operated by non-profit organizations, law schools, and business schools across the country. The clinics have income guidelines for providing free service, around $48,375 or less for a family of four.

Additionally, the IRS offers free electronic resources on their Web site:

• Where's My Refund? to check on the status of your federal tax refund.
• Electronic Federal Tax Payment System to pay your taxes online.
• Withholding Calculator to accurately calculate how much taxes to withhold from your paycheck.
• Earned Income Credit Assistant to find out if you qualify for this refundable tax credit.
• Alternative Minimum Tax Assistant to find out if this second level of taxation applies to you.