IRS to offer help Saturday at Columbus Taxpayer Assistance Center, but not with filing return

Shahid Meighan, Columbus Dispatch
·4 min read

As the old adage goes, the only two things certain in this life are death and taxes.

While they can't help you with the former, the Internal Revenue Service hopes to help with the latter this weekend.

The Internal Revenue Service will open its Columbus Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) hours on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the center at 200 N. High St., Downtown. The center will offer in-person assistance with questions and various services for taxpayers.

Can I file my federal income taxes at TAC this Saturday?

Don't go rushing out Saturday morning with your crumpled W-2 wage and tax statement forms in hand — the IRS will not be offering tax preparation services at the center.

Instead, IRS employees will be helping taxpayers with tax account issues, identity authentication, account adjustments, audits, and any individual tax questions or problems.

Before traveling to the Columbus office, the IRS encourages everyone to visit the event page on IRS.gov, Saturday hours, to get current information.

“While taxpayers are on our site, it’s important they also check other IRS.gov pages because the website offers plenty of information and tools, and they might find an online resource that will meet their needs" so they don't have to go to the TAC, said IRS Wage & Investment Commissioner Ken Corbin.

But if they do go, the IRS will also have foreign language translators available via telephone if needed. For deaf and hard of hearing folks who may need a sign language interpreter, IRS staff will schedule appointments for a later date, or these individuals can call TTY/TDD 800-829-4059 to make an appointment.

While IRS staff can't help you prepare or file your tax returns, they will be sharing information on where to get free tax preparation options. The following services are also available to those who qualify:

  • Eligible individuals or families can get free help preparing their tax return at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites. To find the closest free tax return preparation help, use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887.

  • To find an AARP Tax-Aide site, use the AARP Site Locator Tool or call 1-888-227-7669.

  • Any individual or family whose adjusted gross income (AGI) was $79,000 or less in 2023 can use IRS Free File’s Guided Tax Software at no cost. There are products in English and Spanish.

  • Free File Fillable Forms are electronic federal tax forms, equivalent to a paper 1040 form. Taxpayers should know how to prepare their own tax return using form instructions and IRS publications, if needed. Anyone, regardless of income, can use the forms. They are a free option for those whose AGI is greater than $79,000.

  • MilTax, a Department of Defense program, offers free federal tax return preparation software and electronic filing for up to three state income tax returns. It’s available for all military members, and some veterans, with no income limit.

  • The Direct File pilot gives eligible taxpayers a new choice to file their 2023 federal tax returns online, for free, directly with the IRS. It will be rolled out in phases and is expected to be widely available in mid-March. Visit Direct File to learn about eligibility, scope and the 12 participating states.

OK, no W-2s. But what should I bring so I'm prepared?

If you plan to get any questions answered or issues addressed at this Saturday's TAC, be sure to bring the following with you to make it as smooth as possible:

  • Current government-issued photo identification.

  • Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers for themselves and all members of their household, including their spouse and dependents (if applicable).

  • Any IRS letters or notices received and related documents.

  • For identity verification services, taxpayers will need two forms of identification and, if filed, a copy of the tax return for the year in question

In addition to these, IRS staff may also require you to bring proof of your current mailing address and proof of financial account information.

I can't make it Saturday, are there any other days for TAC help?

Normally, TACs are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and provide service by appointment. However, the IRS is planning two more of these special Saturday openings for April 13 and May 18. And if you need more days and times, Columbus TAC's will be offering assistance during outside hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. until April 16, a day after the tax filing deadline.

For additional information on available services, see IRS Publication 5136, IRS Services Guide.

@ShahidMeighan

smeighan@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: IRS to offer in-person services at Columbus Taxpayer Assistance Center