As the income tax filing season is underway, the Internal Revenue Service has a number of resources and important reminders for filers this year. I wanted to share with you this valuable information as you begin your tax preparations to help make it an easier, less burdensome process which may even save you some money on your return.

This year taxpayers have an extra two days to file their returns and pay any taxes due to April 15th falling on a Sunday and a Monday holiday that follows. So returns and tax payments are due this year on Tuesday, April 17th. Filers requesting an extension will have until October 15th to submit their tax returns.

Those with an adjusted gross income of $57,000 or lower – which accounts for 70-percent of all taxpayers – are eligible to file their federal taxes online for free using brand-name tax software downloadable from IRS.gov. There are no income requirements for free e-filing with Free File fillable forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms which further assists self-preparers in calculations and filling out form fields. The fillable forms and tax software options will be available online starting next Tuesday, January 17th.

Free tax preparation and electronic filing is also available for individuals making $50,000 or less through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Senior citizens age 60 and over can utilize several tax preparation programs as well. For more information and to locate tax counseling sites, call 1-800-906-9887. In addition, the AARP Foundation offers similar programs for low- to moderate-income individuals and seniors. They offer dozens of local sites and can be found by visiting their website or by calling 1-888-227-7669.

As always, paper forms and instructions will be available at many public offices, including libraries and post offices. Individuals may also request free forms be mailed to them by calling 1-800-829-3676.

After a federal tax return has been filed, you can track the progress of a pending refund on the IRS “Track My Refund” site which is available 72 hours after the IRS has acknowledged receipt of your e-filed return, or three to four weeks after you mail your paper return.

If you should have any questions regarding your federal tax preparations, IRS help lines are available for individuals (1-800-829-1040) as well as businesses (1-800-829-4933).

The local Des Moines IRS office also provides a number of services and can answer many of your questions. Their office is located at 210 Walnut Street and is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To call with questions or schedule a tax preparation appointment, call 515-564-6618.

Please feel free to contact my office in Washington, D.C. at 202-225-3806 or in Des Moines Toll Free at 1-888-432-1984 if we can be of service to you during the 2012 tax season.

Sincerely,

Leonard L. Boswell
Member of Congress

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