IRS Info for 2009 Taxes

by Charles W. Evans

As conscientiously as you may plan ahead, there is always some obscure little form missing, or irksome question you need to ask at the last minute.

These sources should make life a bit less stressful and your tax preparation easier. I can’t make your preparation less arduous, but the information below will make it easier.

NOTE: The IRS will not guarantee its own advice. On-line e-Filing is big this year and for many it is free! Most programs offer at least one free filing. I used the e-Filing last year and it does work – earlier refund and direct into my bank! You’ll get your  refund is about two weeks vs. four to six weeks using a paper return.

2nd NOTE: Contacting the IRS - if you call the IRS, get the ID number of the IRS employee, their name, the date of the call, the time of the call, and write down the question and the answer. If something happens and it turns out that the IRS employee gave false information and you can provide this information, then the IRS will more than likely waive the penalty.

There are a number of info sources, help, resources and tips (yes, tips!) on the IRS web site. It is user friendly, easy to navigate and you can download and print any form. Two suggestions: print your forms on a laser printer and always use forms from the IRS site – not a third party site. The Digital Daily, at www.irs.gov, is the IRS home page.

PRECAUTION: Double-check these most common errors. The name in the top section (page 1) of the form should sign it and check the accuracy of the SSNs and dependent’s SSNs.

NOTE: For forms you will need Acrobat Reader, free at www.adobe.com or the IRS. See also a separate article with specific tax changes for tax years ‘09 and ‘10 by Guru Milt in the January issue.

Charles W. Evans is a HAL-PC member and fellow tax payer who can be contacted at reviews@hal-pc.org.