Jefferson City IRS office remains unstaffed

This March 22, 2013 file photo shows the exterior of the Internal Revenue Service building in Washington.
This March 22, 2013 file photo shows the exterior of the Internal Revenue Service building in Washington.

Tax season has begun.

However, Mid-Missourians with questions can't get them answered face to face at the Internal Revenue Service's Jefferson City office, 3702 W. Truman Blvd.

The office has been "unstaffed" since mid-September and will remain that way until further notice, the agency said in a September news release.

The release also reminded taxpayers those unable to resolve their tax question by visiting the IRS website and needing face-to-face help on federal tax matters can call 1-844-545-5640 to schedule an appointment in the IRS Taxpayers Assistance Center in St. Louis County, at 1122 Town and Country Commons in Chesterfield.

"We strongly encourage taxpayers seeking assistance to visit our website," spokesman Michael Devine said last fall. "Taxpayers can often get the tax information they need or resolve a tax problem without having to call or visit an IRS office."

More information is available online at irs.gov.

Devine said the Chesterfield office is "one of many IRS offices that operate by appointment, as part of an ongoing effort to eliminate lines and reduce frustration for taxpayers with more complex tax matters who require in-person tax help."

The agency's studies show many taxpayers visit an IRS office to get a tax transcript, make a payment, resolve a notice, obtain a form or publication or ask about their refund, when "many of these issues can be resolved at IRS.gov
without traveling to an IRS office," Devine said.

He reminded taxpayers the website offers online options for tax help and listed those services as including:

"Where's My Refund?" where people can check their refund status and estimated delivery date.

"Free File," providing free tax software through IRS partners, allowing people to file their taxes online.

"Get Transcript," allowing taxpayers to order a transcript online and have it mailed to them.

"Direct Pay," allowing people to make tax payments, or estimated tax payments, by having them debited directly from a checking or savings account.

Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, individuals or businesses can make all types of federal tax payments.

Online Payment Agreement, for eligible taxpayers to set up installment payments for taxes they owe.

"Where's My Amended Return?" allowing taxpayers to track the status of their amended returns after they have been filed.

Answers to tax law questions, providing direct links to resources to answer many tax questions.

The IRS website also allows access to all IRS forms and publications.

Additional information on available services is included in IRS Publication 5136, the IRS Services Guide.