REGIONAL : Free Tax Help and Forms Are Available From IRS

Free income tax assistance and tax forms are now available from the Internal Revenue Service, officials said Thursday.

“Don’t wait until the last minute to get answers to your tax questions,” said Richard R. Orosco, IRS district director in Los Angeles.

“Getting an early start helps to avoid problems such as not having the right tax form, needing additional information or being unprepared if you find out you owe money,” he said.

The IRS advises taxpayers to help ensure accurate returns by paying special attention to the name and Social Security number on the forms, Orosco said.

Refunds will be delayed on returns with any missing Social Security numbers or any mismatch of a name and Social Security number, he said.

Taxpayers who find any difference need to call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 before filing their return. Otherwise, the refund will be delayed, Orosco said.

The IRS also provides assistance to those who need help with filing, he said. The help ranges from free forms and publications, which can be ordered by calling (800) 829-3676, to recorded tax information available at (800) 829-4477 for Los Angeles residents.

Automated refund information can be obtained by calling (800) 829-4477.