irs offers tax options for those who are unemployed, struggling financially

The Internal Revenue Service today announced several additional steps being taken this tax season to help people having difficulties meeting their tax obligations because of unemployment or other financial problems.
The steps –– an expansion of efforts that began more than a year ago –– include:
    * Additional flexibility on offers in compromise (settling tax debts), tax liens and tax garnishments for struggling taxpayers.
    * Saturday “open houses," including March 27, at many IRS help centers where people can work out tax problems face to face with the IRS.
    * Special outreaches with states and other partner groups to unemployed taxpayers.
    * The availability of more information on a special section of the IRS Web site.
“We’re doing everything we can to help ease the burden on taxpayers struggling due to unemployment or other financial difficulties,” said IRS spokesman Dan Boone.
In addition to March 27 and other IRS special Saturday help center hours, taxpayers can take advantage of toll-free telephone assistance and regularly scheduled weekday hours at local Taxpayer Assistance Centers. Taxpayers can find the location, telephone number and hours of the nearest assistance center by visiting the Contact My Local Office page on IRS.gov or by calling the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040.
The IRS will continue to offer other help to qualifying taxpayers, including:
    * Assistance of the Taxpayer Advocate Service for those taxpayers experiencing particular hardship navigating the IRS.
    * Postponement of collection actions in certain hardship cases.
    * Added flexibility for missed payments on installment agreements and offers in compromise for previously compliant individuals having difficulty paying.
You can also get information on YouTube Videos: Owe Taxes But Can’t Pay? Unemployment Compensation.