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Published:   |   Last Updated: October 25, 2024

Taxpayer Receives and Gathers Tax Information

Where am I on the Roadmap?

Station Overview

Before you sit down and start preparing your tax return or before you meet with a tax return preparer, gather all your tax records. Your records must support the income, expenses, and credits you report. Having all the needed documents on hand before you start to prepare your return helps you to file a complete and accurate tax return. Filing an incomplete or inaccurate return will cause processing and refund delays, as well as result in potential liability for penalties and interest.

If you are using a tax return preparer, it is important that you share all necessary documents with the preparer.

 

I need more information

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Gather your Records

The various forms listed above usually start arriving by mail or are available online from employers and financial institutions in January. Taxpayers should review them carefully. If any information shown on the forms is inaccurate, the taxpayer should contact the payer as soon as possible for a correction.

Make sure and keep your records in case the IRS has questions, requests additional information, or your return is selected for examination.


Digital assets, in the broadest sense, are an item that is created and stored digitally, has value, has established ownership, and is discoverable. The Treasury Department has added to the definition that a digital asset must be recorded on a cryptographically secured distributed ledger or any similar technology.

Find out more on digital assets and how this  may apply to you. 

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What if I don't meet my filing or paying obligations?

If you don’t meet your federal tax filing or payment obligations you may owe a penalty.

It is important to understand the different types of penalties, what you need to do if you get a penalty notice or letter, and how to avoid getting one.

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View your account

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Address or Name Change

Where can I get additional help?

Get Ready to File Your Taxes

Tax planning is for everyone. Get ready today to file your federal income tax return. Planning ahead can help you file an accurate return and avoid delays that can slow your tax refund.

Read More

TAS Tax Tip

Federal tax filing information and tips to help you avoid common errors

Read More

General Resources

Understanding your notice or letter

Get Help topics

Browse common tax issues and situations at TAS Get Help

If you still need help

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS. TAS helps taxpayers resolve problems with the IRS, makes administrative and legislative recommendations to prevent or correct the problems, and protects taxpayer rights. TAS helps all taxpayers (and their representatives), including individuals, businesses, and exempt organizations. You may be eligible for free TAS help if your IRS problem is causing financial difficulty, if you’ve tried and been unable to resolve your issue with the IRS, or if you believe an IRS system, process, or procedure just isn’t working as it should.

TAS has offices in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. To find your local advocate’s number:

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) assist individuals whose income is below a certain level who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. They also provide education, outreach, and information on taxpayer rights to individuals who speak English as a second language. LITCs represent taxpayers in disputes before the IRS and courts and help taxpayers respond to IRS notices and correct account problems. Services are offered for free or a small fee. LITCs are independent from the IRS and TAS. For more information or to find an LITC near you, see the LITC Page or Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List. You can also request Pub. 4134 by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

View our Interactive Tax Map

Let us help you navigate your way through the IRS. Visit our interactive tax map to see where you are in the tax process.

Taxpayer Roadmap
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Did you know there is a Taxpayer Bill of Rights?

The taxpayer Bill of Rights is grouped into 10 easy to understand categories outlining the taxpayer rights and protections embedded in the tax code.

It is also what guides the advocacy work we do for taxpayers.

Read more about your rights