It’s Tax Season: IRS Offers Assistance via Toll Free Numbers and Social Media

What may be a fiscal Christmas for some or a financial calamity for others, tax season is upon us. Regardless of which category you fall under, it goes without saying that some may need help filing tax returns between now and April 15^th. For the year 2013, the IRS has made new enhanced products available to assist taxpayers in filing their returns online and via toll free numbers.

In addition to a re-designed website, which features easier and improved navigation and service options, the IRS is also offering video-conferencing assistance sites and additional social media tools. This also includes the Smartphone application IRS2Go which enables taxpayers to check on the status of their refunds.

This year, the IRS expects a volume of 147 million individual tax returns—75% of which are projected to receive a refund. They have also launched a series of Twitter feeds offering news in English and Spanish (@IRSnews and @IRSenEspanol), a feed for tax professionals (@IRStaxpros), and a Tumblr.

Last year 80% of all individual returns were filed electronically. Three out of four opted to receive their returns via direct deposit. Aside from the re-designed website and streamlined social media efforts, the IRS has also increased and improved their accessibility by providing a YouTube channel as well as a series of toll-free numbers to serve individuals.

Remember that the IRS only uses social media tools to share public information and not to answer your personal tax inquiries. Also remember never to post confidential information such as your social security number on any social media site. For personal assistance, it’s best to directly contact any of the available and secure toll free numbers. As a result of these new services, this tax season is looking to be faster and safer.