Tax information can be tough to understand in any language, but it can be even more difficult if it is not in your first language.
Tax Tip 2010-10 lists eight ways Spanish-speaking taxpayers can seek help from the IRS:
1. Visit IRS.gov/espanol
The IRS website has a wealth of information accessible all day, every day for individuals and businesses. You will find links to tax-related information, disaster relief, identity theft and warnings about common tax scams that victimize taxpayers. You can also check the status of your tax refund through the online tool ¿Dónde está mi reembolso? and even find out if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable tax credit for people who earned less than $48,000, using the Asistente EITC.
2. Find out all about electronic filing
Virtually everyone can prepare a return and file it for free. You can e-file from the comfort of your home 24 hours a day, seven days a week. E-file is fast and safe and available in both Spanish and English. Last year, 2 out of 3 taxpayers used e-file. Additionally, about 70 percent of taxpayers are eligible for the IRS Traditional Free File.
3. Get up-to-date at the Multimedia Center
Watch YouTube video tax tips and listen to audio podcasts on various IRS topics in Spanish and English by entering the keywords "Centro Multimediático" into the search box of IRS.gov.
4. TeleTax
TeleTax is a toll-free, automated telephone service providing helpful pre-recorded tax topic messages and refund information. You can find a list of over 125 TeleTax topics, available in Spanish and English, in the instructions for Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ. TeleTax can also help if you want to check the status of your federal refund four weeks after filing your return. TeleTax is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 800-829-4477. (Having a copy of your tax return handy will help you respond to the prompts on the automated system.)
5. Toll-Free Telephone Assistance
You can reach Spanish-speaking IRS representatives on the IRS customer service line at 800-829-1040 and then pressing 8.
6. Get tax forms and publications
You can view and download several tax forms and publications in Spanish directly from IRS.gov/espanol at any hour of the day or night. You can also get them by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
7. Visit the IRS Spanish Newsroom
Find the agency's most recent announcements, tips and information on recently implemented tax law that could affect you. Avoid missing any benefits and keep up to date by typing the keywords "Noticias en Espanol" into the search box of IRS.gov.
8. Multilingual Assistance at IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers
Don't let a language barrier prevent you from getting the face-to-face tax assistance you may need when you believe your tax issue cannot be handled online or by phone. Multilingual services are offered to taxpayers in more than 150 languages, including Spanish, through bilingual employees and an Over-the-Phone Interpreter. TAC locations, hours and services are available at IRS.gov/individuals by clicking on the link for "Contact My Local Office" in the left tool bar section.
Link:
Publication 1SP, Derechos del Contribuyente (Your Rights as a Taxpayer) (PDF 26K)
Posted by Joshua Hock, Associate Editor, Wealth Strategies Journal
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