IRS to hold an Open House Saturday

Taxpayers who may have difficulty getting to an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center during normal business hours from Monday through Friday can visit Southern California IRS offices on Saturday, July 16 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The Long Beach and Los Angeles offices will be open, along with San Diego, Santa Ana, San Bernardino and 69 other Southland branches.

The IRS will be particularly offering help and advice to people who want to get a fresh start with their tax liabilities. The goal is to provide free assistance to taxpayers who need help getting information required to file their tax returns. Help with account questions, such as collection or examination issues, is also available during the open house. In addition to the normal array of services, limited help preparing tax forms is available on a first-come, first-served basis in most locations.

“We are making fundamental changes to our lien system and other collection tools that will help taxpayers and give them a fresh start,” says IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “These steps are good for people facing tough times, and they reflect a responsible approach for the tax system.”

Taxpayers will be able to learn about changes which include: adjustments to IRS lien policies; significantly increasing the dollar threshold when liens are generally issued, resulting in fewer tax liens; making it easier for taxpayers to obtain lien withdrawals after paying a tax bill; withdrawing liens in most cases where a taxpayer enters into a Direct Debit Installment Agreement; creating easier access to Installment Agreements for more struggling small businesses, and expanding the streamlined Offer in Compromise program to cover more taxpayers

Over 35,000 taxpayers attended similar open house events last year. A full list of all the 74 open house locations is available on www.IRS.gov.