Where to get help with a tax return

3/2/2005
A visitor to the IRS office in 4 SeaGate in downtown Toledo selects from shelves full of taxpayer publications.
A visitor to the IRS office in 4 SeaGate in downtown Toledo selects from shelves full of taxpayer publications.

Internet address for the IRS: www.irs.gov, and click on "1040 Central'' for step-by-step information needed to prepare to file a tax return, for lists of e-filing tax practitioners by ZIP code, or for access to IRS Free File assistance, or to track a refund.

TeleTax: 1-800-829-4477 for pre-recorded messages covering various tax topics.

Tax Forms: 1-800-829-3676 to order forms and publications. Available Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

IRS Tax Help Line: 1-800-829-1040 for individuals with questions about tax law, procedural issues, and general account information. Available Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Small Business Hotline: 1-800-829-4933 for small businesses, corporations, partnerships, and trusts who need information or help related to business returns. Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Status of refunds: 1-800-829-1954 Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Or, check online anytime at www.irs.gov and click on "Where's my refund?''

Tax disputes: 1-877-777-4778 for the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service, which provides assistance when problems are not resolved through normal IRS channels. Available Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact the local Taxpayer Advocate at 1-317-226-6332, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Taxpayer assistance centers: Available in some cities, including the second floor of Three SeaGate in downtown Toledo, for people who have questions or need filing help.

VITA/TCE: Free tax-filing sites, used by millions of taxpayers a year ago. Often, the sites staffed by volunteers are in shopping centers, libraries, churches, or community centers. For dates of service and locations, call 1-800-829-1040.