Have you visited IRS.gov lately?

Tax information can be difficult to understand in any language but it can be even more difficult if it is not in your first language. To assist Spanish speaking taxpayers, the IRS provides a wide range of free products and services on its Spanish Language web site IRS.gov/Espanol.

Here are eight features you can find on IRS.gov “en español” this summer:

Get answers 24 hours a day seven days a week Whether you need a form or have tax questions, IRS.gov/Espanol has a wealth of information. IRS.gov/Espanol is accessible all day, every day for individuals and businesses.

Get tax forms and publications You can view and download several tax forms and publications in Spanish directly from IRS.gov/Espanol at any hour of the day or night.

Find out all about electronic filing You can e-file your 2008 federal income tax return through October 15, 2009 from the comfort of your home. E-file is fast, easy and free for some taxpayers, and available in English or Spanish.

Check the status of your tax refund Whether you chose direct deposit or asked the IRS to mail you a check, you can check the status of your refund through the online tool “¿Dónde está mi reembolso?” on our secure Web site.

Find out if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit EITC is a refundable tax credit for people who work but don’t earn much income. Find out if you are eligible by answering some questions and providing basic income information using the “Asistente EITC.”

Protect yourself from identity theft Learn how identity theft affects your taxes and how you can protect yourself from common scams.

Find answers to the “What Ifs” of an economic downturn The Internal Revenue Service recognizes that many people may be having difficult times financially. There can be a tax impact to events such as job loss, debt forgiveness or tapping a retirement fund. Find answers to these questions and more by typing the keyword “Qué pasa si” into the search box.

Get up-to-date at the “Multimedia Center” Video tax tips and audio podcasts on various IRS topics can be found in English and in Spanish with keyword “Centro Multimediático.”

IRS.gov/Espanol

IRS Search Engine

Have you ever tried to search for information on the IRS website, it can be a major pain. Well here is a link to a search engine that might just help with your frustration


http://irswizard.net/QuickSearch.aspx


Next time you want to "bone-up" on your tax knowledge, give it a try.

Tax Forms That Best Fit Your Needs

When you file your 2008 individual tax return, you will use one of three IRS tax forms. Be sure to use the simplest form you can, which will help you avoid costly errors or processing delays so you won’t have to wait to receive your refund. Each of these forms can be filed electronically, which speeds up the processing of your return.

Use the 1040EZ if:
Your taxable income is below $100,000
Your filing status is Single or Married Filing Jointly
You (and spouse) are under age 65 and not blind
You are not claiming any dependents
Your interest income is $1,500 or less

Use the 1040A if:
Your taxable income is below $100,000
You have capital gain distributions
You claim certain tax credits
You claim deductions for IRA contributions, student loan interest, educator expenses or higher education tuition and fees

If you cannot use the 1040EZ or the 1040A, you’ll probably need to file using the 1040. You must use the 1040 if:
Your taxable income is $100,000 or more
You claim itemized deductions
You are reporting self-employment income
You are reporting income from sale of property

When preparing your return, be sure to carefully check the instructions for the appropriate form.

All IRS forms and instructions can be found on our Web site, IRS.gov.

Form 1040EZ, Individual Income Tax Return (PDF 105K )
Form 1040A, Individual Income Tax Return (PDF 138K)
Form 1040, Individual Income Tax Return (PDF 181K)
Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax
Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (PDF 2.3MB)
1040 Central