Well, don't despair, because you've got options. And there are several free services available, that you may not have known about.

We'll cover a few options here for those who need help preparing their taxes, and for those who own the IRS money and need relief.

1.Payment Plans

IRS tax debt can happen to anyone. The IRS knows this. And they are willing to work with you. IRS payment plans are interest-free and can be negotiated by a tax specialist/professional. This can be an excellent alternative for someone who does not, or cannot, organize an offer in compromise.

2.IRS Tax Debt Settlement

IRS tax debt settlement is available to anyone who finds they owe money to the IRS. People owe the government money for different reasons:

- Improper filings

- failures to pay payroll taxes and

- penalties for non-payment

The government has many programs that can assist the taxpayer repay money due. These services charge fees bases on the amount of time necessary to settle the case. They know the ins and outs of the IRS programs and can often save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in penalties and late fees.

3. Call (or contact) VITA

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is an IRS tax help program organized to help low and moderate-income taxpayers complete their annual tax returns. The service is free.

The IRS trains these volunteers to prepare basic tax returns in cities all across the nation. VITA locations are typically found at community centers:

- Libraries

- Schools

- Shopping malls

Again, the service is free.

To find the VITA location nearest you, call 1-800-829-1040

For more free IRS tax help information, please feel free to browse our articles section.