IR-2014-15, Feb. 14, 2014

WASHINGTON — The IRS today announced that tax filings in 2014 have outpaced filings for the same time last year. As of Feb. 7, the IRS received 27.3 million returns, up 2.5 percent compared to the same time last year. Electronically filed returns account for almost 96 percent of those filed so far this year.

Taxpayers, either through tax preparers or from their home computers, have e-filed more than 26 million returns so far this year, up almost 4 percent compared to the same time last year. As of Feb. 7, taxpayers have filed more than 13 million returns from home computers, an increase of 14.7 percent compared to the same period last year.

Refunds are up for 2014, with almost 19.5 million issued this year, an increase of more than 18 percent compared to the same time last year. The average refund as of Feb. 7 is $3,317, up 4.6 percent compared to the same time last year. (Refund averages generally have higher dollar values early in the filing season than later in the year.)

Most refunds are directly deposited into taxpayer accounts; just over 87 percent of all refunds issued were directly deposited as of Feb. 7. 2014.

Tax information can be tough to understand, especially if it’s not in your first language. The IRS offers many free and easy-to-use products for taxpayers who speak Spanish. Here are eleven tips if you need federal tax help in Spanish.

1. Get answers 24/7.  IRS.gov/espanol has a wealth of tax information for individuals and businesses. You can check the status of your tax refund through the online tool “¿Dónde está mi reembolso?” Use the Asistente EITC tool to check if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit. The credit is available to many people who earned less than $51,567 in 2013.
2. Use Free File to e-file your taxes.  IRS Free File offers free tax preparation and e-file options for all taxpayers. If your 2013 income was $58,000 or less, you qualify to use free tax software. If your income was higher or you feel comfortable preparing your own taxes, there’s Free File Fillable Forms. This program uses the electronic versions of IRS paper forms. Visit IRS.gov/freefile and select ‘En Español’ to see your options.
3. You may qualify for free tax return preparation by a volunteer.  The VITA program generally offers free tax return preparation to people who earn $52,000 or less. The TCE program offers help mainly to people age 60 or older and specializes in tax issues unique to seniors. Returns are prepared and e-filed by certified volunteers. Visit ‘Voluntarios proveen ayuda gratuita con la preparación de su declaración de impuestos.’
4. Try IRS e-file.  Whether you use Free File, purchase tax software or pay a tax preparer, you should e-file your tax return. IRS e-file is safe, easy and the most common way to file a tax return. The IRS has processed over 1.2 billion e-filed returns. If you owe taxes, you can e-file early and pay by the April 15 tax deadline. Visit IRS.gov/espanol and select ‘Opciones Electrónicas’ to use this service.
5. Get up-to-date at the Multimedia Center.  Watch YouTube video tax tips and listen to IRS podcasts in Spanish and English. Enter the keywords “Centro Multimediático” in the search box at IRS.gov.
6. Use TeleTax for refund and tax information.  TeleTax is a toll-free, automated phone service. You can track your tax refund or listen to helpful pre-recorded messages on more than 125 tax topics. If you call to check on your refund, have a copy of your tax return handy. You can find the list of TeleTax topics in Spanish and English in the instructions for Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ. TeleTax is available 24/7 at 800-829-4477.
7. Get tax forms and publications.  You can visit IRS.gov/espanol to get several tax forms and publications in Spanish.
8. Visit the IRS Spanish newsroom.  You’ll see the IRS’s most recent announcements, tax tips and information. Avoid missing any benefits and keep up to date by typing “Noticias en Espanol” in the search box at IRS.gov.
9. Stay connected through Twitter en Español.  Get all the latest tax information and helpful tax tips in Spanish by following the IRS Spanish Twitter Account @IRSenEspanol.
10. Call the IRS for free tax help in Spanish.  IRS.gov can help most people online with their tax needs. But if you prefer to talk with someone at the IRS, you can call toll-free. Call 800-829-1040and then press the number 8 to talk with a representative who speaks Spanish.
11. Get multilingual help at IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers.  If you think you need help in person, visit an IRS office. The IRS helps visitors in more than 150 languages, including Spanish, either in person or by phone through an interpreter. Go to IRS.gov to check office locations, hours and available services. Just click on ‘Help & Resources’ and then on ‘Contact Your Local IRS Office.’

Additional IRS Resources:

• El IRS en Espanol
• ¿Dónde está mi reembolso?
• Asistente EITC
• Free File: Presente su Declaración Federal de Impuestos gratuitamente
• Información sobre el servicio e-file del IRS

IRS YouTube Videos:

• IRS Information Available in Spanish – English | Spanish | ASL
• All About IRS.gov – English | Spanish | ASL
• File Your 1040EZ Using Free File – English | Spanish | ASL
• How to Get 1040 Forms – English | Spanish | ASL
• Earned Income Tax Credit – English | Spanish

IRS Podcasts:

• IRS Information Available in Spanish – English | Spanish
• File Your 1040EZ Using Free File – English | Spanish
• How to Get 1040 Forms – English | Spanish
• Earned Income Tax Credit – English

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