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Published:   |   Last Updated: December 21, 2023

Taxpayer Receives and Gathers Tax Information

View our interactive tax map to see where you are in the tax process. It could help you navigate your way through the IRS.

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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.

Taxpayers who don’t meet their tax filing or payment obligations 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.

Gather Records

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. 

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.

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Where can I get additional help?

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If you still need help

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers and protects taxpayers’ rights. We can offer you help if your tax problem is causing a financial difficulty, you’ve tried and been unable to resolve your issue with the IRS, or you believe an IRS system, process, or procedure just isn’t working as it should. If you qualify for our assistance, which is always free, we will do everything possible to help you.

Visit www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov or call 1-877-777-4778.

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) are independent from the IRS and TAS. LITCs represent individuals whose income is below a certain level and who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. LITCs can represent taxpayers in audits, appeals, and tax collection disputes before the IRS and in court. In addition, LITCs can provide information about taxpayer rights and responsibilities in different languages for individuals who speak English as a second language. Services are offered for free or a small fee. For more information or to find an LITC near you, see the LITC page on the TAS website or Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List.

Note: LITCs are only allowed to prepare returns for taxpayers in limited circumstances.

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Where am I in the tax system?

Taxpayer Receives and Gathers Tax Information