To speed processing, checks should no longer be stapled to the tax return. This year's forms carry a familiar look from previous years, but they also reflect an array of changes from major tax law revisions in 1997 and 1998. If taxpayers have trouble sorting through the changes or encounter any other problems, they have several places to find help. Besides the 24-hour telephone number, taxpayers will have expanded opportunities to visit IRS offices during special Saturday help sessions. During this year's filing season, the walk-in service will be offered at 250 locations on 13 Saturdays between Jan. 16 and April 10.
More help is available without leaving home.
Whether it's on the Internet or through various toll-free numbers, taxpayers have access to more than 5,000 tax products and services. The IRS also is taking steps to improve taxpayer service by zeroing in on electronic filing services. E-filing lets taxpayers get refunds in half the time of paper returns, and it's even faster when taxpayers use the direct deposit option. And it's safe and virtually error free. There are several new electronic programs this year, including two new signature pilots that will make filing completely paper-free for some electronic filers.