During tax season, most people are, obviously, focused on finishing their annual tax return.
But sometimes that task also raises other tax issues that need attention. In some cases, individuals need face-to-face help solving the matters.
That’s where a visit to an Internal Revenue Service Taxpayer Assistance Center can help. And the IRS is making it easier to get TAC help.
The IRS announced on Friday, March 6, that is extending weekly office hours at more than 200 Taxpayer Assistance Centers, or TACs, nationwide. The extended weekday hours each Tuesday and Thursday will be available through April 30.
In addition, many TACs will also be open on select Saturdays through June to provide in-person assistance. The special Saturday hours — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time — will be in effect on March 28, April 11, April 25, May 30, and June 27.
The IRS last offered expanded TAC hours in 2024, and the effort was generally well-received.
And this year’s resumption of this taxpayer service earns April 30 and June 27 this weekend’s dual By the Numbers honor.
Finding your TAC: You can see where TACs are located at IRS.gov’s state-by-state (and Washington, D.C.) listing.
For more details, and to find out whether a TAC near you is offering extended hours, use the agency’s online TAC locator tool. The search will give you office locations, directions, available services, and information about extended hours.
The IRS reminds taxpayers that not all TACs are open on the upcoming Saturdays. It also recommends taxpayers seeking in-person help check the online options regularly, as participating locations and availability may change without notice.
Available TAC services: During the special Saturday hours at select locations, taxpayers can access all regularly available TAC services except for making cash payments.
Those regular services include —
- Assisting the creation of Online Taxpayer Account,
- Helping apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN),
- Renewing of IRS Identity Theft Victim Assistance,
- Making tax payments (again, noncash payments),
- Checking refund status, and
- Obtaining transcripts and forms.
Online, appointment options, too: While TAC representatives are available to help during the special extended weekday and Saturday hours, the IRS notes that some taxpayers might not need to physically go to a center.
IRS.gov’s Let Us Help You web page has information on the above TAC services, as well as others, and how you might be able to get the help you need by using the agency’s online resources.
But if you do want in-person help with an IRS issue, head to a TAC.
If you don’t want to worry about having wait once you get there, contact your local office for appointment information. TAC appointment generally are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time.
Deaf or hard of hearing individuals who need sign language interpreter services should call toll-free TTY/TDD (800) 829-4059 to make an appointment.
Tax return filing not on the list: Again, TAC personnel are not equipped to help you file your individual tax return.
However, they can provide information on available local free tax preparation options that are provided by various IRS-approved sources. They include Free File, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly sites, and MilTax for members of the armed forces.
You can find more on these no-cost tax return preparation and efiling options in my earlier post “5 free tax prep and filing options, and a move to restore a sixth,” which has more on the services. As the headline indications, it also has info on other filing resources.
But if you do need help with other IRS issues, and want to get the advice directly from a person, then a visit to your local TAC could be the answer. Be sure to take advantage of it during this year’s special extended operational times.
You also might find these items of interest:
