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Press ReleaseSALT LAKE CITY -- The Internal Revenue Service and scores of its community partners will open their doors on Saturday, March 21, to help Utahns who need free tax preparation, a question answered or a payment schedule arranged.
The IRS will open three offices (Ogden, Provo and downtown Salt Lake City) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. along with community partners who will open approximately 5 free tax help sites on Saturday, March 21.
Here are the free tax help sites and IRS offices open Saturday, March 21, to provide free taxpayer assistance.
| Location | IRS Office/Partner | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Brigham City, 325 W. 1100 South | Building Assets Together Coalition | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
| Ogden, 324 25th Street | IRS | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
| Ogden, 3159 Grant Ave. | Building Assets Together Coalition | 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. |
| Provo, 173 E. 100 North | IRS | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
| St. George, 2610 S. Pioneer Rd. | Southern Utah Coalition | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
| Salt Lake City, 1300 W. 300 North | GAIN Coalition | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
| Salt Lake City, 3100 S. Redwood Rd. | GAIN Coalition | 9 a.m. - 2p.m. |
| Salt Lake City, 50 S. 200 East | IRS | 9 a.m. - 2p.m. |
Tax return preparation is limited to people who earn $42,000 or less. There is no income limitation for people needing IRS assistance for other services at Taxpayer Assistance Centers.
"Because of the economic downturn, many financially distressed taxpayers may be in need of free services. Our Super Saturday service will make it a little easier for people to get that help. Although our Taxpayer Assistance Centers are not normally open on Saturdays, we're trying to go the extra mile in these difficult times," said Doug Shulman, IRS Commissioner. "Our Super Saturday service will help people get their refunds quickly. Also, if you think you owe taxes and can't pay, please come in and talk to us about it. There are steps we can take to help."
Locations and hours of operation of Super Saturday sites are available at IRS.gov, keyword Super Saturday. People without computer access can call 1-800-906-9887 to find a nearby IRS or partner office. IRS customer service telephone lines, 1-800-829-1040, also will be available on Super Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to answer tax questions.
People who earn $42,000 or less can have their tax return prepared by the IRS or a community volunteer at participating locations. Filing a tax return may also be the fastest way to get some extra money. Approximately 75 percent of taxpayers receive a refund. IRS employees and the community volunteers can help people get all the tax credits and deductions for which they are eligible.
Taxpayers who electronically file their tax returns and who use direct deposit can receive their refunds in as few as 10 days.
Because of lost jobs or reduced income, many people may be eligible for certain tax credits for the first time.
For example, the Earned Income Tax Credit is for people who work but who do not earn a lot of money. The EITC adds an extra $2,000 benefit on average. It is the government's largest anti-poverty program. The additional child tax credit and the first-time homebuyers' credit are important benefits also affected by a taxpayer's income.
People who owe taxes but who cannot pay should contact the IRS as soon as possible. Regardless of income, people who need payment options can get help at an IRS office.
The IRS can help set up an installment payment plan or a deferred payment plan. It is important that people contact the agency so they can avoid penalties and interest that will make their tax bill even higher.
People who want their tax returns prepared should bring the following information:
- Valid driver's license or photo identification (self and spouse, if applicable)
- Social Security cards for all persons listed on the return
- Dates of birth for all persons listed on the return
- All income statements: Forms W-2, 1099, Social Security, Unemployment, or other benefits statements, self-employment records and any documents showing taxes withheld
- Dependent child care information: payee's name, address and Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number.
- Proof of account at financial institution for direct debit or deposit (i.e. cancelled/voided check or bank statement)
- Prior year tax return (if available)
- Any other pertinent documents or papers
For those who don't want to make a trip, the IRS also offers other free services for tax preparation including the Free File program on IRS.gov.
For people with computer access, the IRS web site remains the best place to go for answers, access to forms and publications and other free services. For example, taxpayers will find the latest details on the tax provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 at IRS.gov.
People also can track their refunds through "Where's My Refund?" - another free service offered by the agency. People without computer access can still use "Where's My Refund?" by calling 1-800-829-1954. Taxpayers should have their tax return handy to answer questions from the "Where's My Refund?" application.
(Courtesy Internal Revenue Service)
