Volunteers needed to assist families with tax preparation

Volunteers are being sought to assist low and moderate income families in Utah to receive free tax help and possibly cash in the form of an earned income tax credit.

Under the “Earn It. Keep it. Save it.” moniker, a coalition of community organizations reaches out to eligible families and provides information about the federal earned income tax credit.

“It is estimated that between $60 million and $80 million is unclaimed each year in Utah,” said Charlie Roberts, spokesman for the state tax commission and member of the statewide coalition.

The coalition is under the leadership of United Way of Salt Lake and Community Action partnership of Utah.

Volunteers are needed as tax preparers, financial resource specialists, interpreters, schedulers and greeters at the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites.

Those interested may register online at http://www.utahtaxhelp.org/ or by calling 2-1-1.

IRS closes counter at Tax Commission

As of Thursday, December 8, the IRS counter co-located at the Utah State Tax Commission will be closed and is no longer in service. The office is located at 210 N. 1950 West, Salt Lake City. IRS customers may visit the office at 50 South 200 East, Social Hall Ave. Salt Lake City."We have appreciated the partnership of the IRS people in our building, and we will miss them," said Barry Conover, executive director of the Tax Commission.

Utah’s Free Online Tax Account Management System Gets a Face Lift

Taxpayer Access Point (TAP), Utah’s online tax account management system, helps taxpayers save time and money. Although the system has been successful, taxpayers have asked for changes and improvements through the years. In response, TAP is getting a new look and enhanced functionality on Dec. 12.
What’s Different?
The improved system will still have the same security, but you can now access it on more browsers (you no longer need Microsoft Silverlight installed). You will also receive reminders, correspondence and other account information through TAP’s notification system.

In addition, you can now access the following tax types:

· Miscellaneous Sales Taxes, Fees and Charges including Lube Oil, Multi‐Channel Audio/Visual, and Sexually Explicit Business (TC‐62W and TC‐62WW)
· Municipal Telecommunication Tax (TC‐62Z)
· E‐911 Emergency Services Tax (TC‐62Y)
· Insurance Premium (TC‐49)
· Self Insurer’s (TC‐420)
· Brine Shrimp (payments only)

If you have already registered with TAP, you can still use your current login information to:

· File and amend returns
· Make and schedule future payments
· Check refund status
· See account balances
· Request payment plans and waivers of penalty and interest

Tax preparers and payroll companies can continue to manage their client accounts through TAP (with proper registration).

How do I Get an Account?
If you haven’t signed up for TAP yet, go to taxexpress.utah.gov to start. The service is free and is still the fastest way to get your income tax refund!