IRS Reopens and Expands Assistance Centers
As part of its efforts to improve service, the IRS continues to expand Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) across the country while also starting a special series of events to help taxpayers located in areas not close to the agency's in-person offices.
In these new Community Assistance Visits, the IRS will set up a temporary TAC to give taxpayers from underserved areas an opportunity to meet face-to-face with IRS assistors. This is part of a larger effort underway to transform the IRS and improve service to taxpayers as part of the new IRS Strategic Operating Plan with funding made available through the Inflation Reduction Act.
The IRS conducted the first event last month in Paris, Texas, and has plans to hold similar events in more states. Currently, seven additional locations have been determined for events to be held through October in Alpena, Michigan; Hastings, Nebraska; Twin Falls, Idaho; Juneau, Alaska; Lihue, Hawaii; Baker City, Oregon; and Gallup, New Mexico.
For years, observers have noted that IRS TACs were too limited in number or are too far to help many people who need in-person assistance or who do not have access to online tools, the IRS said in a press release.
To address this, the IRS has opened or reopened 35 TACs since the Inflation Reduction Act funding was approved. In Tennessee, the locations that have been reopened are Jackson and Johnson City. In addition, the IRS has hired more than 600 personnel in TACs to provide in-person assistance.
For the Community Assistance Visits, the IRS will be working with community groups to obtain secure space to help taxpayers. To get help, taxpayers must bring current state- or government-issued photo identification and any relevant letters or notices they received from the IRS, plus any requested documents.
During the event, the IRS also welcomes tax professionals, lawyers and preparers and their clients to work account-related issues.
During the Community Assistance Visit, taxpayers can meet one-on-one with IRS assistors to receive these services:
- Account inquiries (help with letters, notices and levies on wages or bank account)
- Adjustments (changes to tax account information or payments)
- Basic tax law assistance (answers related to individual federal tax returns)
- Payment arrangements. Because this is a temporary location, IRS assistors cannot accept payments of any kind. Taxpayers are encouraged to make payments online.
- Authentication of taxpayer identities as part of the Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP)
- Transcripts and tax forms (order only)
- Information on IRS.gov resources and tools
Professional foreign language interpretation will be available in many languages through an over-the-phone translation service. For deaf or hard of hearing individuals who need sign language interpreter services, IRS staff will schedule appointments for a later date. Alternatively, these individuals can call TTY/TDD 800-829-4059 to make an appointment.
Taxpayers who would like to get help can call 844-545-5640 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to make an appointment to visit an existing TAC. See the IRS Contact Your Local Office page for more TAC information.