The IRS had problems with their E-file system this week but it is operational again as of this afternoon.

If you are due a tax refund, the IRS should still get it to you within 21 days of filing your return.  If you are missing a W-2 or 1099, you should contact your employer/client and make sure they have your correct address.  If you aren’t able to get help from your employer/client, you will need to contact the IRS.  More information is available here.

The IRS continues to warn about phone scams.  The IRS will never call and demand payment.  If you owe money to the IRS, you can call the IRS at 800-829-1040.  The IRS wants you to pay your taxes and they have easy tax payment options.  You can read more about how to protect yourself from IRS phone scams here.

The IRS is also warning about phishing scams.  The IRS generally will not initiate contact by email or other forms of electronic communication.  IRS communication usually comes in written form and does not need to be ignored.  You can read more about how to protect yourself from IRS phishing scams here.

The IRS has many tools to help taxpayers.  They can be found here.  There is free tax preparation help available for low income and senior tax payers.  Information about VITA and TCE can be found here.

1040 EZ returns can be filed for FREE on this website.  Low cost 1040 and 1040A returns can also be filed on this website.  If you need a tax organizer, Schedule C Template or mileage log, they can all be downloaded for FREE here.