IRS reps offer assistance to New Jersey taxpayers

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP – IRS representatives visited the Freehold Raceway Mall recently as part of an outreach effort to educate taxpayers on various tax season topics. Approximately 30 taxpayers sought personal assistance on various tax issues ranging from choosing a tax preparer to the upcoming economic stimulus payments.

The IRS has been conducting a face-toface effort at various malls throughout the state this tax season to educate taxpayers regarding their selection of income tax preparers, as well as the potential warning signs and tactics employed by unscrupulous return preparers, according to a press release. IRS staff also provided information related to other tax scams, explained the economic stimulus payments generally known as federal rebates, discussed the benefits of e-filing/Free Filing as well as many other tax filing season topics.

Al Drucker, IRS Criminal Investigation special agent, covered tips on how to select a tax preparer.

“Taxpayers who pay someone to do their taxes should choose a preparer wisely. If you choose to use a paid tax preparer, it is important that you find a qualified tax professional,” Drucker said. “Taxpayers are ultimately responsible for everything on their return even when it’s prepared by someone else.

“The most reputable preparers will request to see your records and receipts and will ask you multiple questions to determine your total income and your qualifications for expenses, deductions and tax credits. By doing so, they have your best interest in mind and are trying to help you avoid penalties, interest, or additional taxes that could result from later IRS contacts,” he said.

Gregg Semanick, IRS spokesman in New Jersey, offered information about the upcoming economic stimulus payments.

“Starting in May, the IRS will begin sending stimulus payments,” Semanick said. “To receive an economic stimulus payment, people just need to file their tax returns as they usually do. The payments will be automatic for the vast majority of taxpayers. Some lower-income workers and recipients of certain Social Security and veterans benefits who don’t normally file a tax return will need to do so this year in order to receive a stimulus payment. The IRS.govWeb site has all the information people need to help them obtain a stimulus payment.”

The IRS representatives also discussed the benefits of electronically filing a tax return. The fastest way for taxpayers to receive a tax refund is to use IRS e-file and choose direct deposit, according to the press release. Taxpayers can receive their refunds in as little as 10 days with IRS efile and direct deposit. In New Jersey about 75 percent of filers are expected to receive refunds this year.

“IRS e-file is the fastest, easiest and most accurate way to file a tax return,” Semanick said. “We strongly encourage taxpayers to take advantage of the benefits that electronic filing offers taxpayers, including faster refunds. Our best advice for taxpayers who owe: e-file now; pay later. You can electronically file your return now and schedule a payment via an electronic funds withdrawal from a bank account on April 15.”

In New Jersey, it is projected that more than 2.5 million, 59 percent, of the 4.3 million filers will e-file their 2007 tax returns this tax season.