The tax deadline’s almost here. If you haven’t yet filed, you may think you need to rush to find what you need to file your tax return. However, a quick and easy method to get help is to use IRS social media. It’s a convenient way to get the tax information and tools you need to help you file your federal tax return.

Consider using these IRS social media tools to help you navigate the tax deadline.

• IRS2Go.  IRS’s free mobile app gives you your refund status, tax news updates, IRS YouTube videos and lets you request your tax records. IRS2Go is available for the iPhone, iTouch or Android mobile devices.
• YouTube.  IRS offers dozens of video tax tips on a variety of topics in English, Spanish and American Sign Language.
• Twitter.  Tweets from @IRSnews provide tax-related announcements and daily tax tips. Tweets from @IRStaxpros offer news and guidance for tax professionals. Tweets from @IRSenEspanol have news and information in Spanish, The Taxpayer Advocate Service sends tweets from @YourVoiceAtIRS. @RecruitmentIRS provides updates for job seekers.
• Podcasts.  IRS has short audio recordings that offer one tax-related topic per podcast. They are available through the Multimedia Center on the IRS website. Podcast transcripts are also available.
• Tumblr.  Follow the IRS on Tumblr and never miss a post! IRS Tumblr is a microblogging platform where users can access IRS tax tips, videos and podcasts. The IRS uses Tumblr to share information about important programs. Access Tumblr from your browser, Smartphone, tablet or desktop.
• Facebook.  IRS has four Facebook pages that provide news and information for taxpayers and tax return preparers. You can check the IRS pages to get updates on job openings or for tax assistance from the Taxpayer Advocate Service.

Protecting your privacy is a top priority at the IRS. The IRS uses social media tools to share public information, not to answer personal tax or account questions. You should never post your Social Security number or any other confidential information on social media sites.

Get connected and stay connected to the IRS with social media.

Did you, your spouse or your dependent take higher education classes last year? If so, you may be able to claim the American Opportunity Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit to help cover the costs. Here are some facts from the IRS about these important credits.

The American Opportunity Credit is:

• Worth up to $2,500 per eligible student.
• Only available for the first four years at an eligible college or vocational school.
• Subtracted from your taxes but can also give you a refund of up to $1,000 if it’s more than your taxes.
• For students earning a degree or other recognized credential.
• For students going to school at least half-time for at least one academic period that started during the tax year.
• For the cost of tuition, books and required fees and supplies.

The Lifetime Learning Credit is:

• Limited to $2,000 per tax return, per year, no matter how many students qualify.
• For all years of higher education, including classes for learning or improving job skills.
• Limited to the amount of your taxes.
• For the cost of tuition and required fees, plus books, supplies and equipment you must buy from the school.

For both credits:

• Your school should give you a Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, showing expenses for the year. Make sure it’s correct.
• You must file Form 8863, Education Credits, to claim these credits on your tax return.
• You can’t claim either credit if someone else claims you as a dependent.
• You can’t claim both credits for the same student or for the same expense, in the same year.
• The credits are subject to income limits that could reduce the amount you can claim on your return.
• Visit IRS.gov and use the Interactive Tax Assistant tool to see if you’re eligible to claim these credits.

See Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education for more on this topic. You can get it on IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Additional IRS Resources:

• Tax Benefits for Education: Information Center
• Education Credits–AOTC and LLC
• American Opportunity Tax Credit
• Lifetime Learning Credit
• American Opportunity Tax Credit: Questions and Answers