Dear Neighbor,
Tax Season has begun! This year, tax season runs from January 29 to April 15.
As you prepare to file this year, there are a few things you’ll want to gather in preparation. For additional resources or guidance on finding anything you may need, you can also visit the Get Ready webpage at IRS.gov/getready. The most common forms taxpayers need are W-2, 1095-A, 1099, 1099-MISC, 1099-R, and 1099-INT.
Thanks largely to funding made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS has made available extensive tools and resources for the 2024 filing season. In-person IRS centers will be open for extended hours throughout tax season. Tax information, resources, and account management tools are available 24 hours a day.
Below are some of the useful tools you can find on IRS.gov:
- Interactive Tax Assistant — Based on user input, this anonymous tool provides answers to tax law questions specific to the user’s circumstances.
- What is Taxable and Nontaxable Income? — Find out what income is taxable and nontaxable.
- Credits & Deductions — Learn how credits and deductions work, what credits and deductions are available and who can claim them.
- Forms and Instructions — Access a library of IRS forms, instructions and publications on virtually any tax topic, many in multiple languages and accessible formats.
- Frequently Asked Questions — Get plain language answers to the most frequently asked questions on a variety of topics.
- Free File — Select and use commercial software to prepare and file federal income taxes online for free. Taxpayers comfortable preparing their own taxes can use Free File Fillable Forms, regardless of income, to file their tax returns either by mail or online.
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/Tax Counseling for the Elderly — Find organizations that provide free tax help for eligible persons that include working families, the elderly, the disabled and people who speak limited English.
- Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers — Search for tax preparers in their area who hold professional credentials recognized by the IRS.
- Where’s My Refund? — Check the status of a refund within 24 hours after the IRS accepts an e-filed return or four weeks after mailing a paper return.
- Payments — Pay by direct debit from a bank account or choose an approved payment processor to pay by credit or debit card for a fee. Also apply for a payment plan and learn about the IRS Offer in Compromise program.
The IRS provides information and resources in as many languages as possible and enhanced services for people with disabilities, including through the Accessibility Helpline at 833-690-0598.
Fairfax County also offers free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. If you or your family earned less than $64,000 in 2023, you may qualify for this service.
If you are currently struggling with an IRS issue, please do not hesitate to reach out through my office’s casework request form.
Please continue to take care of yourselves and each other, and remember my office is always here to help. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you need assistance, please do not hesitate to call us at (703) 256-3071.