ATLANTA — For seniors, it is time to focus on your income taxes, but you don't have to go it alone. There's lots of available help.
First off, think about filing electronically. It dramatically speeds up the process and earlier refunds.
For assistance in tax preparation and filing from trained and certified IRS volunteers, you can choose from multiple IRS and AARP metro Atlanta locations, but be sure to check out days and times they are open--and call first.
See the below for links and contacts to assist you through the process.
IRS announces Saturday hours for face-to-face help at Atlanta Taxpayer Assistance Center
The Internal Revenue Service today announced special Saturday hours on Feb. 11, March 11, April 8, and May 13, 2023, at the Atlanta Taxpayer Assistance Center located at 401 W. Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30308.
The special hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and people don’t need an appointment. The IRS is offering these weekend hours to taxpayers as part of the IRS’s larger effort to help people during the filing season.
At TACs, people receive in-person help from IRS employees. Normally, these centers are not open on Saturdays, and people must have appointments to receive services.
During these Saturday hours, people can walk-in for all services routinely offered at an office, except for making cash payments. They can also ask about setting up an Online Account and getting an Identity Protection PIN among other topics.
For more information about the special hours, visit IRS.gov/saturdayhours.
Services provided
The IRS’s Contact Your Local Office site lists all services provided at specific TACs.
If someone has a question(s) about a tax bill or an IRS audit or needs help resolving a tax problem, they will receive assistance from IRS employees specializing in these services. If these employees aren’t available, the individual will receive a referral for these services. Taxpayer Advocate Service employees may also be available to assist with issues that meet certain criteria.
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.
Come prepared
Individuals should bring the following documents:
- Current government-issued photo identification,
- Social Security cards or ITINs for members of their household, including spouse and dependents (if applicable),
- Any IRS letters or notices received and related documents,
- For identity verification services, two forms of identification and if filed, a copy of the tax return for the year in question.
During the visit, IRS staff may also request the following information:
- A current mailing address,
- Proof of bank account information included on a tax return to receive payments or refunds by direct deposit.
Tax return preparation options
While tax return preparation is not a service offered at IRS TACs, information will be shared about available local free tax preparation options. Help is also available using the following services:
- Eligible individuals or families can get free help preparing their tax return at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites. To find the closest free tax return preparation help, use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887.
- To find an AARP Tax-Aide site, use the AARP Site Locator Tool or call 1-888-227-7669.
- Any individual or family earning $73,000 or less in 2022 can use tax software through IRS Free File at no cost. There are products in English and Spanish.
- MilTax, a Department of Defense program, offers free return preparation software and electronic filing for federal tax returns and up to three state income tax returns. It’s available for all military members, and some veterans, with no income limit.
Help available 24/7 at IRS.gov
The fastest and easiest way for people to get the help they need is through IRS.gov. Go to www.irs.gov for more information. Available resources include:
- Where’s My Refund?, check refund status and estimated delivery date.
- Get Transcript, view and print a tax transcript online.
- Payments, get information on a variety of payment methods, including cash.
- Direct Pay, make tax payments or estimated tax payments for free from a checking or savings account.
- Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, individuals or businesses can make all types of federal tax payments.
- Online Payment Agreement, set up installment payments to pay taxes owed.
- Where’s My Amended Return, track the status of an amended return.
- Interactive Tax Assistant and FAQs, get answers to many tax law questions.
- All IRS Forms and Publications, find and download current tax forms, instructions and publications. Those without access to the internet can call 800-829-3676 to order tax forms by mail.
Additional links before you start tax preparation and filing
Department of Revenue:
Location Finder for Tax Assistance (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance--VITA: