Irs Schedules Problem Solving Day Feb. 18
The Internal Revenue Service has begun taking appointments for its Feb. 18 Problem Solving Day in Spokane.
IRS officials will be available from noon to 8 p.m. at the agency’s offices in the U.S. Courthouse at 920 W. Riverside.
Taxpayers can discuss any on-going problems, from non-filing to lost refunds.
District Director Paul Beene said the program is also an opportunity to increase awareness of a Taxpayer Advocate who can help with problems year-round.
The IRS’ Pacific Northwest District has already held the special days in Seattle, Portland and Anchorage. The Seattle day attracted 189 taxpayers, about half of whom made an appointment ahead of time.
An exit survey of those who attended found 85 percent “very satisfied” with the help they received.
Appointments can be scheduled by calling 1-800-829-1040 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Calling ahead will help ensure that the agency will have the proper documentation in hand.
All those who attend should bring any paperwork or correspondence that will help resolve their problem.
The Taxpayer Advocate can be reached at the number and hours above.
Pension, health publications ready
The Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration has a toll-free hot line you can call to order free publications about pensions and health coverage, including these:
“What You Should Know About Your Pension Rights”
“Protect Your Pension - A Quick Reference Guide”
“Women and Pensions - What Women Need to Know and Do”
“How to File a Claim for Your Benefits”
“Health Benefits under COBRA”
“Pension and Welfare Brief: Can the Retiree Health Benefits Provided by Your Employer Be Cut?”
For a free copy of any or all of these publications, call 1-800-998-7542. The line is staffed from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time business days, said Labor Department spokesman Ted Fitzgerald. At other times, callers can leave a message, he said.
, DataTimes