Despite the difficult financial situation the entire country faces, the Internal Revenue Service Office, now offers greater flexibility in case you are not able to meet your duty as a citizen when filing your tax returns.
 
“With so many people who are facing financial problems, we want all taxpayers to receive the tax credits they are entitled to,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman last week during a teleconference. "In addition, the IRS will consider circumstances of taxpayers to help those who intend to meet their obligations. I have instructed IRS personnel to be more sensitive and to do everything possible to help them in these difficult times, but let it be perfectly clear that we are not forgiving any debts.”
 
He said the IRS wants to ask taxpayers to get in touch with them in the case of any need.
 
The Commissioner asked taxpayers with financial difficulties to take advantage of the tax credits and deductions that are new for this tax season and revealed some information about the “Free File” program that will allow them to file electronically using the free e-file and thus, receive a faster refund.  
 
“We need to make sure we balance our responsibilities when putting the law into effect with the financial reality that many citizens are facing,” said Shulman.  We want to make an extra effort to help them, especially those who have met their obligations in the past and are now facing unusual hardships.”
 
Among the areas the IRS can provide help are: Additional flexibility on late payments – the IRS is allowing more flexibility for those people with set payment plan arrangements who have difficulty making their payments due to a lost job or other financial hardships. Taxpayers in this situation must contact the IRS. 
 
Maritza Michaud, Hispanic Communications Manager for the IRS, also said that “it is important to emphasize to taxpayers not to allow fake tax preparers to cheat them.  Always try to verify if the person who is helping them is qualified and not to accept blank documents for signing. The season starts Friday, but it is advisable to wait until you have all your documents before filing your return."
 
She also encouraged taxpayers to use the free services of VITA (Volunteers Income Tax Assistance) in their area.
 
Shulman also talked about the additional revision for the Offers In Compromise of home values: An Offer In Compromise is an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS that settles the taxpayer debt for less than the total amount owed, as it could be a viable option for those facing financial hardships.
 
Another of the new things offered by the IRS, is that taxpayers with financial hardships who think they cannot pay the amount owed at the time of filing their tax returns, now have options available. The IRS.gov Web site has a list of “What if…” scenarios that deal with payments and other financial problems. 
 
The electronic documents and the programs mentioned before for Free File are available only at the IRS.gov site on the Internet.
 
For more information and details call 1-800-829-1040 or visit their Web page at IRS.gov.



VITA SITES

•Fernando Padilla Community Center
800 E. Juan Sanchez Blvd., San Luis, Ariz.
627-9660
Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.


•YPIC
201 N. Bingham Ave., Somerton, Ariz.
(928) 627-9396
Wednesday 3 to 6 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.


•Goodwill Industries
1600 S. 4th Ave.
(928) 783-4190
Mondays and Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

•Martin Luther King Jr. Center
300 S. 13th Avenue, Yuma
(928) 329-7488
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.