IRS Tax Tip 2015-11: Ten Great Ways to Use IRS.gov

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sent this bulletin at 02/02/2016 09:10 AM EST

IRS Tax Tips

February 2, 2016

Issue Number: IRS Tax Tip 2015-11

Inside This Issue

Ten Great Ways to Use IRS.gov

No matter when you need tax help or information, start by visiting IRS.gov. A variety of tools and services are only a click away on our website. Here are ten great ways to use IRS.gov:

1. Get Answers to Your Tax Questions. The Interactive Tax Assistant covers many common tax topics. Type in your question or search terms, and it can lead you step-by-step to the answer. Or, try the IRS Tax Map. It gives you a list of tax law subjects to review. It combines tax topics, forms, instructions and publications into one research tool.

2. Get Forms and Publications. View, download and print federal tax forms and publications anytime. Approximately 100 IRS publications will be available for download in ePub format this year.

3. Use IRS Free File. If you need to file your tax return, you can file a federal tax return for free using IRS Free File. If you earned $62,000 or less, you can prepare and e-file your taxes using free brand-name tax software. If you e-file your tax return, you don't need to prepare or mail any paper forms to the IRS.

4. Get Information on the Affordable Care Act. Find out how to:

Report health care coverage.
Claim an exemption from the coverage requirement.
Make an individual shared responsibility payment.
Claim the premium tax credit.
Reconcile advance payments of the premium tax credit.

Use the Interactive Tax Assistant tool to determine if you qualify for an exemption from the coverage requirement or need to make an individual shared responsibility payment.

5. Check on Your Refund. The Where’s My Refund? tool is a fast and easy way to check on your tax refund. Use the IRS2Go mobile app to access the tool, or click on the ‘Refunds’ tab on IRS.gov.

6. Use IRS Direct Pay. If you owe taxes, pay with IRS Direct Pay. It’s a safe, easy and free way to pay from your checking or savings account. Go to IRS.gov/directpay to pay your federal tax bill.

7. Apply for an IRS Payment Plan. If you can’t pay all your taxes at once, apply for an IRS Online Payment Agreement.

8. Check Out a Charity. You must donate to a qualified charity if you want to deduct the donation on your tax return. Use the IRS EO Select Check tool to see if a charity is qualified.

9. Calculate your Tax Withholding. If you get a larger refund or owe more taxes than expected, you may want to change your tax withholding. Use the IRS Withholding Calculator tool to help you figure it out.

10. Get a Transcript. The quickest way to get a copy of your tax transcript is to use the Get Transcript tool on IRS.gov. You should receive your transcript in the mail within five to 10 days from the time the IRS receives your request online. Plan ahead to ensure you have it when you need it.

Each and every taxpayer has a set of fundamental rights they should be aware of when dealing with the IRS. These are your Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Explore your rights and our obligations to protect them on IRS.gov.

Additional IRS Resources:

IRS YouTube Videos:

Welcome to Free File – English
Interactive Tax Assistant – English | ASL
Exempt Organizations Select Check – English | Spanish | ASL
When Will I Get My Refund? – English | Spanish | ASL

IRS Podcasts:

Interactive Tax Assistant – English
When Will I Get My Refund? – English | Spanish
Exempt Organizations Select Check – English | Spanish

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IRS Tax Tip 2015-11: Ten Great Ways to Use IRS.gov

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Issue Number: IRS Tax Tip 2015-11

Inside This Issue