IRS to Host a Special Community Assistance Visit in Baker City

By on Monday, September 18th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

BAKER CITY — (Release from the Internal Revenue Service) As part of an expanding effort to reach underserved communities, the Internal Revenue Service announced a special event in Baker City, Oregon to help local taxpayers.

The IRS will set up a temporary Taxpayer Assistance Center as part of a Community Assistance Visit to give taxpayers from the Baker City community an opportunity to meet face-to-face with IRS assistors.

The Baker County Public Library is partnering with the IRS to host the event at 2400 Resort St., Tuesday, Sept. 26 through Thursday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This is part of a larger effort underway to transform the IRS and improve service to taxpayers as part of its new Strategic Operating Plan and funding made available through the Inflation Reduction Act.

Baker City was selected, in part, based on its distance to the closest permanent IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. The nearest center is 132 miles away in Boise, Idaho.

To make an appointment during the three-day event, people can call 615-250-5324. However, taxpayers can also walk in to receive assistance. To get help, taxpayers must bring current state or government issued photo identification and any relevant letters or notices they received from the IRS, plus any requested documents.

The IRS also welcomes tax professionals, lawyers, and preparers and their clients to work account-related issues.

During the Community Assistance Visit, taxpayers can meet one-on-one with IRS assistors to receive these services:

•           Account inquiries (help with letters, notices and levies on wages or bank account).

•           Adjustments (changes to tax account information or payments).

•           Basic tax law assistance (answers related to individual Federal Tax Returns).

•           Payment arrangements (Because this is a temporary location, IRS assistors cannot accept payments of any kind. Taxpayers are encouraged to make payments online).

•           Authentication of taxpayer identities as part of the Taxpayer Protection Program (TPP).

•           Transcripts and tax forms (order only).

•           Information on IRS.gov resources and tools.

Professional foreign language interpretation will be available in many languages through an over-the-phone translation service. For deaf or hard of hearing individuals who need sign language interpreter services, IRS staff will schedule appointments for a later date. Alternatively, these individuals can call TTY/TDD 800-829-4059 to make an appointment.

Taxpayers who would like to speak with an IRS assistor face-to-face but cannot attend the Baker City event should call 844-545-5640 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to make an appointment to visit a nearby TAC. Contact Your Local Office has information for IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers.