IRS to offer in-person help Saturday in Detroit, but won't do your 2023 tax return for you
Taxpayers with troubling challenges — such as questions about a tax bill or an IRS audit — could benefit from special Saturday hours on April 13 at the IRS taxpayer assistance center in Detroit.
The center, located at 477 Michigan Ave., will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. No appointment is needed but you may have to wait for service, depending on how many people show up. Special Saturday hours are available April 13 at IRS taxpayer assistance centers across the country
In Michigan, the IRS office in Grand Rapids at 3215 North Evergreen Drive also will be open in for walk-in service from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13.
But here's a key point: The IRS isn't offering help preparing your tax returns at these events. So don't expect anyone to fill out your 1040 for you.
The IRS has plans for another Saturday event May 18.
IRS employees at the Detroit center will meet face-to-face with taxpayers to get help with tax account issues, such as authenticating someone’s identity, asking about account adjustments, and making payments by check or money order. The IRS is not accepting cash payments during the special Saturday openings.
Monday April 15 is the deadline for most taxpayers to file their federal and Michigan income tax returns.
Some Michigan taxpayers hit by severe storms last August will now have some tax relief and be able to wait until June 17, instead of April 15, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. The tax relief applies to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne counties. Individuals and households that reside or have a business in these localities qualify for tax relief.
More: April 15 tax day almost here: What to know about deadline, filing, refund, extension
More: How to file an extension for your 2023 income tax return
Taxpayers continue to be encouraged to try to solve problems or get answers to general questions by going to IRS.gov.
The IRS even has an event page connected to the special Saturday hours that taxpayers can read before heading to the downtown Detroit offices Saturday.
“We have online resources for many common tax situations, including several tools for making payments, getting an extension to file and setting up installment agreements,” said Internal Revenue Commissioner Danny Werfel in a statement.
“Taxpayers can make payments using their personal financial accounts, debit or credit cards and even digital wallets using tools on IRS.gov.”
If you do go to a Saturday event, the IRS wants taxpayers to bring specific paperwork. It includes:
• Current government-issued photo identification, along with a second form of identification for identity verification services.• Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification numbers for themselves and all members of their household, including their spouse and dependents (if applicable).• Any IRS letters or notices received and related documents.• A copy or digital image of the tax return in question if one was filed.
Typically, IRS taxpayer assistance centers are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and will work with taxpayers by appointment only. To make an appointment, call 844-545-5640.
Contact personal finance columnist Susan Tompor: stompor@freepress.com. Follow her on X (Twitter) @tompor.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: IRS to offer in-person help Saturday in Detroit, won't do tax returns
