Contacting the IRS

• The first step in obtaining help on federal income tax issues is to know how to contact the proper authorities. The Internal Revenue Service is the agency in charge of income tax collection and refunds.
  
  The IRS offers live assistance with tax problems on weekdays. Previously recorded help messages are available 24 hours a day. To reach a live IRS representative with any personal tax question, call 800-829-1040, according to the IRS website. Businesses should contact the IRS at 800-829-4933, and those with impaired hearing can dial 800-829-4059.
  
  Taxpayers simply looking for the correct address to file their taxes should visit the IRS website's "Where to File Tax Returns" page and click on their home state for answers.
  
  

Striking a Deal

• Taxpayers who know they owe back taxes that they are unable to pay for various reasons should not feel as though the situation is hopeless. While the IRS is not likely to release a taxpayer from this obligation, there is help available.
  
  During tough economic times, the IRS allows its employees to make deals with taxpayers to settle their tax debt for less than what they actually owe, according to IRS.gov. This compromise agreement is reserved for those with economic troubles, including those who have lost their jobs. Agreements may include language that allows for a change in the deal if the taxpayer's financial situation becomes significantly better.
  
  

Open Houses

• Taxpayers may also speak directly to IRS employees instead of using a middleman. Making the IRS more accessible to the average taxpayer is the goal of hundreds of Saturday open houses across the country each year. These open houses put taxpayers face to face with an IRS representative who will attempt to sort out individual problems.
  
  

Important Deadlines

• Getting a tax return mailed to the IRS by the deadline can save taxpayers money in fines and interest. The deadline for filing a tax return is April 15 of each year, unless the date hits on a weekend. In this case it is typically bumped to the following Monday.
  
  People who cannot manage to get their income tax return in by the deadline can file IRS Form 4868. This form grants an automatic extension that moves the deadline to Oct. 15 of the same year.
  
  

Looking for a Refund

• People expecting a tax refund often wonder when it will arrive. Checking the status of the refund is simple with an Internet connection. By visiting the "Where's My Refund?" page at IRS.gov, taxpayers can find out instantly about the status of their refunds. The only information needed is the taxpayer's name, Social Security number and the exact whole dollar amount of the expected refund.