Financial Wellness

Federal Income Tax Information

Programs that provide information and guidance for individuals who need to understand the federal tax laws as they apply to people in their situation.

Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers

Tax processing numbers issued in the United States by the Internal Revenue Service to certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who are unable to get a Social Security Number (SSN). Applicants must complete and submit a Form W-7 with required documentation substantiating foreign/alien status and the individual's true identity. Applicants may either mail the documentation, along with the Form W-7, to the closest IRS Service Center, present it at an IRS walk-in office, or process the application through an Acceptance Agent authorized by the IRS. Applicants not currently in the U.S. can apply from abroad.

Local Income Tax Information

Programs that provide information and guidance for individuals who need to understand the local tax laws as they apply to people in their situation.

State Income Tax Information

Programs that provide information and guidance for individuals who need to understand the state tax laws as they apply to people in their situation.

Tax Appeals/Audit Assistance

Programs that provide services which enable people to respond to a tax audit, file an appeal with the appropriate tax authorities in situations where they disagree with a tax assessment or a decision by a tax examiner, or obtain assistance from a neutral party regarding tax issues that have not been resolved through normal channels.

Tax Collection Agencies

Programs that are responsible for the determination, assessment and collection of taxes, special assessments and other monies that are owed to local, state and federal jurisdictions by taxpayers. These groups prepare analyses of taxes, tax characteristics and tax proposals that serve as the basis for tax policy; ensure that taxpayers have the most current information regarding their tax obligations and their rights; review tax returns; pursue unpaid taxes; and respond to complaints from taxpayers.

Tax Forms

Libraries, post offices and other organizations that maintain supplies of blank tax forms for people who need them and/or maintain archives of past versions of tax forms for reference purposes. Included are organizations that provide copies of federal and state tax forms for individuals, businesses, corporations and other entities; property tax relief application forms; rent rebate and renter's tax credit application forms; property value reassessment application forms; utility tax exemption application forms and other similar documents. Also included are organizations that maintain Internet websites that have copies of tax forms that can be downloaded.

Tax Preparation Assistance

Programs that help eligible individuals (including older adults, people with disabilities and people with low incomes) prepare their tax returns or complete paperwork to apply for tax relief in the form of tax credit, rebate, exemption or postponement programs. Included are programs staffed by volunteers or others who provide this service without charge and professional tax preparation services. Most tax preparation assistance sites allow the people they assist to file their tax return information electronically.

Tax Preparation Software

Programs that provide access to desktop software that people can use to prepare their tax returns.