Other Ways To Get Help(p83)

You should get an answer in about 30 days. For the mailing address, call us at 1-800-829-1040 (hearing impaired customers with access to TTY/TDD equipment may call 1-800-829-4059). Do not send questions with your return.

You can find answers to many of your tax questions online in several ways by accessing the IRS website at www.irs.gov/help and then clicking on Help With Tax Questions. Here are some of the methods you may want to try.

• Frequently asked questions. This section contains an extensive list of questions and answers. You can select your question by category or keyword.
• Tax trails. This is an interactive section which asks questions you can answer by selecting Yes or No.
• Tax topics. This is an online version of the TeleTax topics listed on pages 84 and 85.

Free help in preparing your return is available nationwide from IRS-sponsored volunteers. These volunteers are trained and certified to prepare federal income tax returns by passing an IRS test. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is designed to help low-income taxpayers. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program is designed to assist taxpayers age 60 or older with their tax return preparation. VITA/TCE tax preparation sites must adhere to strict quality standards necessary to prepare accurate returns. Free electronic filing is offered by IRS authorized e-file providers at many of the VITA/TCE locations nationwide. Volunteers will help you with claiming the credits and deductions you may be entitled to. If you are a member of the military, you can also get assistance on military tax benefits, such as combat zone tax benefits, at an office within your installation. For more information on these programs, go to www.irs.gov and enter keyword VITA in the upper right corner. Or, call us at 1-800-829-1040. To find the nearest AARP Tax-Aide site, visit AARP's website at www.aarp.org/money/taxaide or call 1-888-227-7669.

When you go for help, take proof of identity and social security numbers (or individual taxpayer identification numbers) for your spouse, your dependents, and yourself. Take a copy of your 2007 tax return (if available), all your Forms W-2, 1099, and 1098 for 2008, and any other information about your 2008 income and expenses. Also bring Notice 1378 if you received an economic stimulus payment during 2008.

You can get face-to-face help solving tax problems every business day in IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers. An employee can explain IRS letters, request adjustments to your account, or help you set up a payment plan. Call your local Taxpayer Assistance Center for an appointment. To find the number, go to  
www.irs.gov/localcontacts or look in the phone book under United States Government, Internal Revenue Service.

If you subscribe to an online service, ask about online filing or tax information.

Telephone help is available using TTY/TDD equipment by calling 1-800-829-4059. Braille materials are available at libraries that have special services for people with disabilities.