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How To Get Tax Help If you have questions about a tax issue; need help prepar- ing your tax return; or want to download free publications, forms, or instructions, go to IRS.gov to find resources that can help you right away. Preparing and filing your tax return. After receiving all your wage and earnings statements (Forms W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-MISC, 1099-NEC, etc.); unemployment compensation statements (by mail or in a digital format) or other government payment statements (Form 1099-G); and interest, dividend, and retirement statements from banks and investment firms (Forms 1099), you have sev- eral options to choose from to prepare and file your tax re- turn. You can prepare the tax return yourself, see if you qualify for free tax preparation, or hire a tax professional to prepare your return. For 2021, if you received an Economic Impact Payment (EIP), refer to your Notice 1444-C, Your 2021 Economic Impact Payment. If you received Advance Child Tax Credit payments, refer to your Letter 6419. Free options for tax preparation. Go to IRS.gov to see your options for preparing and filing your return online or in your local community, if you qualify, which include the following. • Free File. This program lets you prepare and file your federal individual income tax return for free using brand-name tax-preparation-and-filing software or Free File fillable forms. However, state tax preparation may not be available through Free File. Go to IRS.gov/ FreeFile to see if you qualify for free online federal tax preparation, e-filing, and direct deposit or payment op- tions. • VITA. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people with low-to-moderate incomes, persons with disabilities, and limited-English-speaking taxpayers who need help preparing their own tax returns. Go to IRS.gov/ VITA, download the free IRS2Go app, or call 800-906-9887 for information on free tax return prepa- ration. • TCE. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) pro- gram offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 years of age and older. TCE volun- teers specialize in answering questions about pen- sions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. Go to IRS.gov/TCE, download the free IRS2Go app, or call 888-227-7669 for information on free tax return preparation. • MilTax. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and qualified veterans may use MilTax, a free tax service offered by the Department of Defense through Military OneSource. For more information go to MilitaryOneSource (MilitaryOneSource.mil/Tax). CAUTION ! Also, the IRS offers Free Fillable Forms, which can be completed online and then filed electronically re- gardless of income. Using online tools to help prepare your return. Go to IRS.gov/Tools for the following. • The Earned Income Tax Credit Assistant (IRS.gov/ EITCAssistant) determines if you’re eligible for the earned income credit (EIC). • The Online EIN Application (IRS.gov/EIN) helps you get an employer identification number (EIN) at no cost. • The Tax Withholding Estimator (IRS.gov/W4app) makes it easier for everyone to pay the correct amount of tax during the year. The tool is a convenient, online way to check and tailor your withholding. It’s more user-friendly for taxpayers, including retirees and self-employed individuals. The features include the following. ▶ Easy to understand language. ▶ The ability to switch between screens, correct previous entries, and skip screens that don’t apply. ▶ Tips and links to help you determine if you qualify for tax credits and deductions. ▶ A progress tracker. ▶ A self-employment tax feature. ▶ Automatic calculation of taxable social security benefits. • The First-Time Homebuyer Credit Account Look-up (IRS.gov/HomeBuyer) tool provides information on your repayments and account balance. • The Sales Tax Deduction Calculator (IRS.gov/ SalesTax) figures the amount you can claim if you itemize deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040). Getting answers to your tax questions. On IRS.gov, you can get up-to-date information on current events and changes in tax law. • IRS.gov/Help: A variety of tools to help you get an- swers to some of the most common tax questions. • IRS.gov/ITA: The Interactive Tax Assistant, a tool that will ask you questions and, based on your input, pro- vide answers on a number of tax law topics. • IRS.gov/Forms: Find forms, instructions, and publica- tions. You will find details on 2021 tax changes and hundreds of interactive links to help you find answers to your questions. • You may also be able to access tax law information in your electronic filing software. Need someone to prepare your tax return? There are various types of tax return preparers, including tax prepar- ers, enrolled agents, certified public accountants (CPAs), attorneys, and many others who don’t have professional credentials. If you choose to have someone prepare your Page 28 Publication 596 (2021)