Tax season can be stressful. It’s easy to get overwhelmed dealing with the form, the deadlines, or the growing pile of paperwork. But here is the good news: you don’t have to do this alone. You can get help with paying your taxes in plenty of ways. Some options that will help you take the burden.
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They also know deductions, credits, and everything in between. A tax advisor is a professional who holds tax advisor certification and has received specialized training to help with tax matters, planning, and ensuring compliance.
Ensuring they’re up to date on tax laws. With their expertise, they can save you time and possibly money. They’ll be able to show you deductions you might not have known about or how to reduce your taxable income. You can get clarity — either by hiring someone to file your taxes for you or by helping you understand how to do it.
Free Help for Those Who Need It Most
That’s okay; not everyone can afford professional help. There are several free programs available for people who need assistance with their taxes. For instance, the IRS offers the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. This service is aimed at people with low to moderate income. It provides free tax help, often with experienced volunteers who are trained to prepare basic tax returns.
Another program, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), focuses on helping senior citizens with their taxes. Volunteers in this program are specially trained to deal with issues commonly faced by older adults, such as pensions, retirement accounts, and Social Security benefits.
You can also check with local community organizations or nonprofit groups. Many of them offer free tax assistance during tax season. Local libraries or community centers might also have information on where to get help.
Use Online Tax Software
For some people, doing their taxes is a viable option, especially if they have a simple return. Online tax software has come a long way in recent years. Many services offer free versions for basic returns. These tools guide you through the filing process step by step, making it easier to get everything right. While they can’t replace the advice of a professional, tax software can be a great choice if you’re confident in your ability to handle your return. Some of these programs even offer live chat support if you run into questions along the way. And many come with a money-back guarantee if the software makes an error.
Ask the IRS
The IRS may not be known for being the friendliest place, but it does offer assistance for those struggling to pay their taxes. If you’re having trouble paying, it’s important to reach out to them as soon as possible. They have several options for taxpayers who need help. One common option is setting up an installment plan. This allows you to pay your tax bill over time instead of all at once. You can also apply for an offer in compromise, which is essentially a settlement with the IRS to pay less than what you owe. The IRS may accept this if it determines that paying the full amount would cause significant hardship.
It’s also worth noting that the IRS has a free online tool called “Where’s My Refund?” to check on the status of your refund. If you need to contact the IRS, you can call or visit their website for more information on your options.
Don’t Avoid the Situation
Whatever you do, don’t ignore the problem. Avoiding your taxes will only make things worse down the road. Late fees, penalties, and interest will only add up, and you might find yourself in an even tougher spot. If you’re struggling to pay, the best thing you can do is reach out for help.
There are plenty of resources available, whether you choose to consult a tax advisor, use a free program, or work with the IRS directly. The earlier you seek help, the easier it will be to find a solution. Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away, but taking action can help you get back on track.
Conclusion
Taxes are never fun, but that doesn’t mean you have to face them alone. From free programs and online tools to professional advisors, there are plenty of ways to get the help you need. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance—it could save you time, money, and a lot of stress. Remember, you don’t have to handle it all by yourself. There are people and resources ready to help you make it through tax season with a little less hassle.