IRS Offers Tax Help Using Social Media

Most of us do everything online. From paying the mortgage to posting on Facebook, our lives are increasingly more apt to be managed by a computer or a mobile device. Social media has become a major player in how we gather information and communicate; a fact that even IRS has become quite aware of. As a result of this ubiquity, the IRS recently began providing the latest tax information, new initiatives, products and services and IRS tax help to taxpayers through their favorite social media platforms.

According to their latest announcement in the Meridian Patch article entitled IRS Stays in Touch With Twitter, YouTube, Apps, the IRS outlined these new IRS communication methods and briefly explained what each tax help platform offers. IRS Commissioner Douglas Schulman acknowledges the Agency’s necessity to use new communication methods like social media to get information out. “This new smart phone app reflects our commitment to modernizing the agency and engaging taxpayers where they want when they want it,” said Shulman. “As technology evolves and younger taxpayers get their information in new ways, we will keep innovating to make it easy for all taxpayers to access helpful information.”

Here are some of the new social media features:

IRS2GO: This mobile application (for the iPhone, iPod Touch and Android) was designed to make IRS interaction with the IRS easy by giving refund status and tax updates.

YouTube: The IRS has its own YouTube channel that offers short, informative videos, (available in English and a variety of foreign languages) on several tax-related topics.

Twitter: Following @IRSnews can provide tweets on tax-related announcements, news for taxpayers and tax professionals and updates for those seeking employment.

iTunes podcasts: The IRS has created short audio recordings (available on iTunes) that provide useful information on one tax-related topic per podcast. Transcripts of the podcasts are also available.

Facebook: Yes, the IRS has a Facebook page that provides the latest news and information. Just “like” the page to receive recent updates.

Being able to get general information or updates on return status will be useful to those who don’t have any tax issues with the IRS. For those that do, the idea of dealing with a complicated, intimidating government entity can be overwhelming. If this is your situation, you are advised to contact a tax attorney or certified tax resolution specialist to resolve your IRS tax problems on your behalf to get you back in the game.

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