IRS stops tax package mailings; announces Feb. filing delay for itemized deductions

Posted January 5, 2011
Courtesy of Tax Forms Outlet Program, Internal Revenue Service

01/05/2011 - WASHINGTON — The IRS announced this week that individual and business taxpayers will no longer receive paper income tax packages in the mail from the IRS. These tax packages contained the forms, schedules and instructions for filing a paper income tax return.

The IRS is taking this step because of the continued growth in electronic filing and the availability of free options to taxpayers, as well as to help reduce costs.

The IRS mailed postcards to individuals who filed paper returns last year and did not use a tax preparer or tax software. The postcard provides information on how to get the tax forms and instructions they need for filing their tax year 2010 return.

Through the years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District has participated in the IRS Tax Forms Outlet Program, or TFOP, making forms and instruction material available for employees here through its library services.

The district library will continue to provide:

• Publication 1132 (Reproducible Copies of Federal Tax Forms and Instructions)
• 1040s
• Schedules A, B, C and D (Itemized Deductions, Capital Gains and Losses, etc.)

In addition, there are numerous options available for employees to obtain tax products as well as free tax preparation and assistance in filing their tax returns:

• Download forms and instructions online at: <http://www.irs.gov/app/picklist/list/formsInstructions.html>.
• Visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center at: <http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts/index.html>, participating libraries and U. S. post offices.
• Individuals making $49,000 or less can use the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance <http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html> program for tax-free preparation and, in many cases, free electronic filing.
• Individuals aged 60 and older can take advantage of free tax counseling and basic income tax preparation through Tax Counseling for the Elderly at: <http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html>.
• IRS Free File provides options for free brand-name tax software or online fillable forms, plus free electronic filing. For more information, visit IRS Free File at: <http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118986,00.html>.

February filing for many taxpayers

In related news, following last month’s tax law changes the Internal Revenue Service announced that the upcoming tax season will start on time for most people, but taxpayers affected by three recently reinstated deductions need to wait until mid- to late February to file their individual tax returns.

The agency said that it would not be ready to process returns carrying itemized deductions, because it has to reprogram its processing systems following the passage of the big tax bill at the end of 2010.

Tax filing deadline extension

The Internal Revenue Service also announced Jan. 4, that taxpayers will have until April 18, 2011, to file their 2010 returns and pay their tax bills because of a holiday on April 15.

April 15 is Emancipation Day, a holiday observed in the District of Columbia. Taxpayers who file extensions will have until Oct. 17, 2011, to file their 2010 tax returns.

For more information on the district tax forms program, stop by the district library. For more information on the 2010 tax year preparation, visit: www.irs.gov.