Given the surge in Covid-19 cases, the IRS continues to remind tax professionals and taxpayers to use electronic options to speed the processing of tax returns, payments, and refunds. In compliance with the instructions of local health authorities around the country, certain IRS services, which include processing paper tax returns, live assistance on telephones, and responding to correspondence, continue to be extremely limited. While most departments are operating at a reduced capacity, you can always call your IRS tax attorney for help in critical issues or visit volunteer tax preparation sites like IRS.gov/coronavirus which have continued to guide taxpayers through many tax processes. In this blog post, we’ll talk about some important takeaways from the latest IRS updates listed on these websites in the wake of Covid-19. Read on!
Processing Delays for Paper Tax Returns
As the IRS is experiencing delays in processing paper tax returns due to a reduced workforce, taxpayers stand to benefit from filing electronically through their tax software provider or IRS Free File. If you have already filed a paper return , the IRS will process it in the order that it was received. The website also advises against filing a second tax return or contacting the IRS about the status of your return.
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Web Options and Telephone Options
IRS.gov is the best source for all information about tax law, tax payments, checks on refund status, and Economic Impact Payments. There are numerous web options including Get My Payment, Free File, Get an IP PIN, Where’s My Refund?, About Your IRS Notice or Letter, and Direct Pay on the website IRS.gov/coronavirus. All these options will help individuals to know everything related to their tax starting from checking the status of their Economic Impact Payment, to getting information about current forms, instructions, and publications.
On the other hand, IRS’s automated phone lines also remain available, however, callers should expect long waits due to limited staff. For Economic Impact Payment questions, you can call 800-919-9835. You can also visit ‘Let Us Help You’ to find the phone number for the office that can address your concerns. Apart from exploring these avenues, your tax attorney can also provide filing and tax lien assistance, among other IRS tax problems.
Taxpayer Assistance Centers
The IRS began opening its Taxpayer Advocate Service on Monday, June 29, 2020, to the public in phases. People who wish to visit a TAC should first call 844-545-5640 to make an appointment. You are only allowed to visit a center if you need assistance for authentication of identity and document validation related to tax return filing, Sailing Clearances required for foreign travel by resident and non-resident aliens leaving the United States, application for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, assistance with Economic Impact Payment Issues, and cash payments. For an up-to-date listing of TAC locations as they are opened, go to Contact Your Local IRS Office.
Extended Payment Due Dates
The IRS has extended many due dates because of the Covid-19 situation. Taxpayers who have questions about their balance due should visit the IRS website, call the number provided on their tax notice, or consult their tax attorney.
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Wrap UP!
The IRS is continuing to assess the impact of COVID-19 on many operations across the agency but there may be expected delays until the situation improves. If you are unable to reach out to any of the representatives who can address your concerns, visit IRS.gov website to see if anything is mentioned there regarding your concern. For any critical issue which needs immediate attention, you can seek help from the Law Offices of Nick Nemeth. We have a team of highly skilled tax attorneys in Dallas & Fort Worth, TX who can help resolve your tax problems with the IRS. To speak with one of our highly-experienced tax lien attorneys or get help with filing, call (972) 426-2553, or fill out our contact form.
