Six Social Media Tools to Get Free Tax Information
Six Social Media Tools to Get Free Tax Information
Finding information on the Internal Revenue Service’s (“IRS”) website has historically been challenging. The website has become a very good resource tool; however, there is often a plethora of information to sort through before being able to locate specific information. In an effort to make its website more user friendly, the IRS has set up various social media tools to provide easier access to information. These six new tools include:
YOUTUBE
IRSvideos is the name of the YouTube channel created by the IRS. The short videos hosted on the channel discuss a variety of tax-related topics, including identity theft, small businesses, tax professions, free tax preparation and even tax tips. The videos are available in English, American Sign Language and Spanish.
The IRS has set up five separate Twitter accounts to address specific information:
- @IRSnews provides news and guidance for the public, the press and practitioners;
- @IRStaxpros provides more technical information intended for tax professionals in the field;
- @YourVoiceatIRS is the handle that discusses your rights as a taxpayer.;
- @IRSenEspanol is, obviously, directed toward the Spanish-speaking community.; and
- @RecruitmentIRS is a human resource-based tool for those looking to enter the federal workforce.
Similar to its Twitter accounts, the IRS has numerous Facebook pages addressing familiar topics, such as recruiting, tax preparation and tax professionals.
PODCASTS
Podcasts are available from the iTunes store with great tax tips and other information. Transcripts of each podcast are posted on the IRS’ Multimedia Center. The Multimedia Center also provides public service announcements, press kits and other marketing materials.
SMARTPHONE APPLICATION
IRS2Go 2.0 is an application for smartphones that allows taxpayers to access their refund status and get tax records. Additionally, the application has quick links to the IRS’ YouTube and Twitter sites discussed above. There is even a contact section that will dial the IRS for you.
WIDGETS
More than 20 website widgets were created by the IRS to provide quick links to several tax topics. These widgets can be placed on a social media site by almost anyone in just a few easy steps. Topics range from small non-profits to free tax preparation to tax education. The widgets feature the latest tax initiatives and programs, and can be found on the Marketing Express website, a site that allows IRS partners and tax preparers to customize their IRS communication products.
While sometimes dealing with the IRS and using their website may seem cumbersome and intimidating, the social media tools provided by the IRS are intended to make dealing with the IRS easier for taxpayers. The social media tools offered are mostly familiar and user-friendly, enabling taxpayers to quickly and easily get information.
For more about IRS’ social media tools, visit www.irs.gov and click on “Social Media”.
For more information on the topics discussed or services we can provide, please contact:
Scott Mariani, JD, Partner
Practice Leader
973.898.9494 ? [email protected]
Questions or comments?
E-mail us at [email protected]
To ensure compliance with U.S. Treasury rules, unless expressly stated otherwise, any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by the recipient for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code.
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