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Filing taxes can be an overwhelming experience in ordinary times. Given this year’s advance child tax credits, stimulus payments, and other COVID-related twists and turns, these are definitely not ordinary times. For small businesses and the self-employed, tax matters can be, and often are, even more complicated.
Knowing this, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced plans to open many of its Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) for special Saturday hours during tax season 2022.
According to the IRS, hours will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the following dates:
- February 12
- March 12
- April 9
- May 14
The IRS follows Centers for Disease Control (CDC) social distancing guidelines for COVID-19. In addition, you are required to wear a mask inside IRS facilities, including TACs.
According to the agency, appointments are not required to get help during special Saturday hours. (Appointments are required during the week.) People can receive help for a variety of IRS services, but TACs will not be able to accept cash payments on Saturdays.
Key Takeaways
- Many IRS TACs will be open to offer tax help to individuals, small businesses, and the self-employed on special Saturdays during tax season.
- Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on February 12, March 12, April 9, and May 14.
- A variety of services will be provided, but TACs are not able to accept cash on special Saturdays.
- Those seeking help should bring ID, Social Security cards, any IRS notices they received, and bank account information.
- Specialized staff will be available to answer most questions and referrals will be provided if your questions can’t be answered.
- CDC guidelines and masking requirements will be in effect.
- People seeking help preparing their taxes should visit a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Center (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly location.
Open TAC Locations on Special Saturdays
To find a Taxpayer Assistance Center near you that will be open on a specific Saturday, visit www.IRS.gov/saturdayhours. You are urged to check back regularly for updates and to make sure your preferred location will be open on the date you want.
You have the option, of course, to make an appointment on a weekday to avoid a long wait, but the additional “walk-in” Saturday hours at selected TACs offer additional access to tax help for those who are unable to visit a TAC during the week.
What to Bring With You
To make sure your questions are answered, you should bring the following information with you:
- A current government-issued photo ID
- Social Security cards for yourself and members of your household
- Any IRS letters or notices received and related documents
IRS staff may also ask you for:
- Your current mailing address
- Your email address
- Your bank account information (to receive payments or refunds by direct deposit)
“People 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,” said IRS Wage & Investment Commissioner and Taxpayer Experience Officer Ken Corbin, in a statement.
Service Provided at TACs
Services available will vary according to the specific TAC office but include:
- 2021 tax credits assistance
- Online account assistance
- Individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) renewal
- IRS identity theft victim assistance
- Payments—check or money order only (no cash will be accepted)
- Refunds
- Tax law questions
- Transcripts and forms
If you have a question(s) about a tax bill or an IRS audit, or need help resolving a tax problem, you will receive assistance from IRS employees specializing in these services. If these employees are not available, you will be referred to a specialist. Taxpayer Advocate Service employees may also be available to assist with issues that meet certain criteria.
Individuals who require sign language or foreign language interpreter services may be scheduled for an appointment at a later date. Contact your local TAC for information.
Other Ways to Obtain Help With Taxes
You may be able to get the tax help you need online or by phone. For instance, you can visit https://www.irs.gov/help/telephone-assistance for a list of IRS phone numbers and links to IRS websites to do several things, such as:
- Set up a payment plan
- Get a transcript of your tax return
- Make a payment
- Check on your refund
- Find answers to many of your tax questions
- File your tax return online
- View your account information
- Find out where to file your return
- Get help preparing your taxes by volunteers
Help Filing Your Taxes
If you need help preparing your tax return, you may qualify to visit a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Center (VITA). VITA sites offer free tax help to qualified individuals who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:
- People with income of $58,000 or less
- Persons with disabilities
- Taxpayers with limited English-speaking skills
Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) locations offer free tax help to anyone age 60 or older. This program is sponsored and funded by the IRS, but conducted by outside organizations that receive IRS grants to run the program in local areas.