Special edition Outreach Connection FY24-02
In this issue:
1. Get Ready now to file 2023 federal income tax returns in early 2024
2. Gather, organize and update tax records
3. Get helpful information to file through IRS Individual Online Account
4. Volunteer to help eligible taxpayers file their tax returns
5. What's new?
6. Bookmark IRS.gov resources and online tools
7. Tips for choosing a tax pro
8. Speed refunds with direct deposit
 With the nation’s tax season right around the corner, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers there are important steps they can take now to help “get ready” to file their 2023 federal tax return.
A little advance work now ensures people have the paperwork and information ready to file their tax returns quickly and accurately. As part of this education effort, the IRS has a special page outlining items taxpayers can gather and things to consider now to get ready to file their 2023 tax returns.
Related news release: Tax season rapidly approaching: Get Ready now to file 2023 federal income tax returns in early 2024
Related YouTube video: Get Ready to file your taxes
 Organizing tax records makes it easier to prepare a complete and accurate tax return. It helps avoid errors that can slow down refunds and may also help find overlooked deductions or tax credits. Having a copy of last year’s return nearby can serve as a guide when getting ready to file.
To find more information visit the Get Ready to file your taxes page on IRS.gov.
 Taxpayers can get access to tax records and many IRS services including Get Transcript Online, Online Payment Agreement, Get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) and other available applications by creating or logging in to their IRS Individual Online Account at irs.gov/account.
As a reminder, taxpayers with an ITIN can access their IRS Individual Online Account. ITIN holders must first verify their identity through a one-time video chat process.
Related ready-to-use article: Tax pros: encourage your clients to create an IRS Online Account
 Join the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs and help eligible taxpayers with free tax preparation. Visit IRS.gov/volunteers to learn more and sign up.
Related news release: Volunteers needed across the country for free tax services
Related tax tip: Signing up to be an IRS-certified volunteer is a great way to help people
 IRS Individual Online Account enhancements
Taxpayers and Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) holders can now access their Individual Online Account and view, approve and electronically sign power of attorney and tax information authorizations from their tax professional.
Form 1099-K reporting threshold delayed
The Form 1099-K third party reporting threshold for tax year 2023 will continue to be for payments over $20,000 and 200 transactions. After feedback from taxpayers, tax professionals, and payment processors, the IRS delayed the new $600 Form 1099-K reporting threshold for 2023.
As the IRS continues to work to implement the new law, the agency will treat 2023 as an additional transition year.
A special webinar for tax professionals will be held on Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. ET "Form 1099-K Third Party Payment Network Transactions (Card and Electronic payments)." The webinar will provide information on the threshold implementation delay for 2023, the planned threshold for 2024 and more.
Find current Form 1099-K materials on irs.gov/1099k.
Understand energy related credits
Taxpayers who bought a vehicle in 2023 should review the changes under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 to see if they qualify for the credits for new electric vehicles purchased in 2022 or before or the new clean vehicles purchased in 2023 or after.
If taxpayers made energy improvements to their home, tax credits are available for a portion of qualifying expenses.
Visit irs.gov/cleanenergy and irs.gov/cleanvehicles for up-to-date information about energy related credits.
Related news release: Get Ready to file in 2024: What’s new and what to consider
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Let Us Help You page. The Let Us Help You page on IRS.gov has links to information and resources on a wide range of topics.
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IRS Free File. Almost everyone can file electronically for free on irs.gov/freefile or with the IRS2Go app. Those who are comfortable preparing their own taxes can use IRS Free File Fillable Forms, regardless of their income, to file their tax return either online or by mail.
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Interactive Tax Assistant. The Interactive Tax Assistant is a tool that provides answers to many tax questions.
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Tax Withholding Estimator. The Tax Withholding Estimator is a tool on IRS.gov that can help taxpayers determine the right amount of tax to have withheld from their paychecks.
 Most tax return preparers provide outstanding and professional tax service. However, choosing the wrong tax return preparer hurts taxpayers financially every year. Be sure to check tips for choosing a tax preparer and how to avoid unethical "ghost" return preparers.
People can use the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications.
 Direct deposit is the fastest and safest way to get a tax refund.
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