Tax Preparation

Getting help with tax preparation:

Preparing your taxes can be a confusing prospect, but no one should think they have to tackle it by themselves. There are a number of free available services that can connect Pennsylvania taxpayers with qualified tax preparers who can assist them with filing their taxes.

To order paper tax forms, citizens are asked to call the IRS help line at 800-829-3676.

Problems with the IRS

If you are experiencing difficulties with the IRS, my Johnstown office may be able to help. Please call us at 1(800)289-2642.

You can also contact the Taxpayer Advocate, and independent advocate within the IRS, who works with taxpayers to help them solve their IRS problems.

IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers are your source for personal tax help when you believe your tax issue cannot be handled online or by phone, and you want face-to-face assistance.

If you need to resolve a tax problem, have questions about how the tax law applies to your individual tax return, or you're more comfortable talking with someone face-to-face, visit your local Taxpayer Assistance Center where you can spread out your records and talk with an IRS representative across the counter. No appointment is necessary - just walk in. If you prefer, you may call a local number to learn about available and alternate services, and to reschedule appointments with IRS personnel. If you have an ongoing, complex tax account problem or a special need, such as a disability, an appointment may be requested. All other issues will be handled without an appointment.

Note: Before visiting your local office click on “Services Provided” in the chart below to see what services are available. Services may vary from site to site. You can get these services on a walk-in, non-advance appointment basis.

How to contact the IRS  

For Individuals: Toll-Free, 800-829-1040. Mon – Fri, 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (your local time).

For Businesses: Toll-Free, 800-829-4933. Mon – Fri, 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (your local time).

For Exempt Organizations, Retirement Plan Administrators, and Government Entities: 1-877-829-5500. Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time

For people with hearing impairments: Toll-Free 1-800-829-4059 (TDD). Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (your local time). For further information, see Tax Topic 102.

Frequently Asked Questions  

Is the Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) waived this year?

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) generally are minimum amounts that a retirement plan account owner must withdraw annually starting with the year that he or she reaches 70 ½ years of age or, if later, the year in which he or she retires. In 2009, Congress waived the RMD in response to the recession and the sudden loss of value in so many senior's IRA portfolios. That waiver was not extended for 2010. More information on RMDs is available at the IRS's Frequently Asked Questions page.

What is the Earned Income Tax Credit and how do I take advantage of it?

The Earned Income Tax Credit or the EITC is a refundable federal income tax credit for low to moderate income working individuals and families. Congress originally approved the tax credit legislation in 1975 in part to offset the burden of social security taxes and to provide an incentive to work. When the EITC exceeds the amount of taxes owed, it results in a tax refund to those who claim and qualify for the credit. To qualify, taxpayers must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if they did not earn enough money to have a filing requirement. You must have earned income from employment, self-employment or another source and meet certain rules. In addition, you must either meet the additional rules for Workers without a Qualifying Child or have a child that meets all the Qualifying Child Rules for you. Find out more about the basic qualification rules for EITC. More information on the EITC is available on the IRS's EITC Frequently Asked Questions page.

Does my non-profit organization need to file a tax return?

Tax-exempt organizations are required to file annual information returns with the IRS. Filing annual returns is crucial because, beginning in 2010, most tax-exempt organizations that haven’t filed their information returns for three consecutive years will automatically lose their tax-exempt status. Some organizations, such as churches, are not required to file annual information returns. Further explanation of these requirements and the filing thresholds is available at www.IRS.gov/eo.

How do I apply for tax-exempt status for my non-profit organization?

To be recognized as exempt from federal income taxation, most organizations are required to apply for recognition of exemption. More information is available on the IRS's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.

How do I take advantage of the first-time homebuyer's tax credits?

To claim your first-time homebuyer's tax credit, you'll need to file IRS Form 5405 (PDF), First-Time Homebuyer Credit, with your 2008, 2009 or 2010 federal income tax return. If you have already filed a 2008 or a 2009 tax return without claiming the credit, you can amend your return to claim the credit using Form 1040X (PDF) with the December 2009 Form 5405 attached. Certain additional supporting documentation will be required when filing claim for the credit with your 2009 or 2010 return or amended return. More information is available at the first-time homebuyer's section of the IRS website.

Can I claim my charitable donation for Haiti earthquake relief on my 2009 tax return?

On Friday, January 22, President Obama signed H.R. 4462 into law. The law allows a 2009 charitable deduction for cash contributions made after Jan. 11, 2010, and before March 1, 2010, for relief of victims in areas affected by the earthquake in Haiti. For more information, read the IRS's page on tax breaks for contributions to Haiti earthquake relief.

Does my non-profit organization have to file as a 501(c)(3)?

If a charitable organization makes an income of less than $25,000 and does not employ anyone, it can continue activities informally without filing as a 501(c)(3) to receive tax exempt status.  Without a 501(c)(3) status, however, donations to said organization cannot be considered tax-deductible. For more information about 501(c)(3) organizations, please visit the IRS website.

I operate a non-profit organization.  Do I have to file an annual information return (form 990)?

Not all tax exempt organizations are required to file a 990 form.  For instance, groups that normally have annual gross receipts of $25,000 or less are exempt from this practice.  For a full list of groups that do not have to file an annual information return, visit the 990 form section of the IRS website.