If you've got an IRS letter on your desk right now, you have a decision to make, and the clock matters. I'm Darrin Mish. I've spent 32 years helping people with exactly this kind of situation. Here's what you should do.<\/p>\n
Tax season is here again. If you have not submitted your tax return, you should do so and not procrastinate. If your taxes are not complicated and your gross adjusted income is not more than $58,000 then you are eligible to use the Free File option in the IRS website. Most major tax preparation companies such as H&R Block or TurboTax are participating in this service. You can use the program online or work with a cooperating company. Check out www.irs.gov\/freefile.
\nIf you reside in South Florida, you may approach any of these programs for free help in your tax submissions:
\nAARP Tax-Aide.
\nIf you are in the low or moderate income bracket, this program provides free help for you, especially if you are over 60. Most of the aides are in libraries or senior centers, and it\u2019s best to make an appointment. You can find a site at www.aarp.org\/money\/taxes\/aarp_taxaide.
\nH&R Block
\nThis well-known tax preparation firm has a service where you can have your Form 1040EZ prepared for free through February 15. Find a location at www.hrblock.com\/offices\/tas-services-free-1040ez.html. Just a word of caution, though. Do not take up their offer of a Refund Anticipated Loan unless you really need it.
\nThe Prosperity Campaign
\nIf you are in the low and middle income category of taxpayers and live in Miami-Dade, you can receive free help from the Prosperity Campaign at more than 50 locations in your area. Get the list by clicking on the link at www.prosperitycampaign.org or call 211 or 311 in Miami-Dade. For help in Broward, call 211.
\nThe IRS\u2019 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program
\nIncome requirement for the VITA program is generally under $49,000 a year. If you qualify, the IRS will file your return for free, according to the IRS website. To locate the nearest VITA site, call 1-800-906-9887.
\nThe above volunteer programs will usually file your tax returns electronically for free. This is the safest, fastest and most convenient way to file your taxes, which is why the IRS is encouraging everyone to e-file their submissions. If you opt to receive your tax refunds through direct bank deposit, you may receive it in as few as 10 days. The IRS is also providing refunds on debit cards this year. Last year, almost 75% of taxpayers received a refund, which averaged about $2,900.<\/p>\n