As April 15 fast approaches, the IRS warns you’ll be on-hold a long, long time if you try calling them with any kind of question. They strongly recommend taxpayers use numerous IRS.gov tools for better service. You can get answers to many of your tax questions, find printable tax forms and publications, and a wide array of answers by clicking on some of the links below.

Get a tax transcript

You may need a tax transcript for a variety of reasons including if you apply for a loan or student financial aid, information needed for state or local tax filing purposes, or even for medical, housing or utility social services. On IRS.gov, use the Get Transcript tool.

Try IRS Direct Pay

If you owe taxes, pay with IRS Direct Pay. It’s a safe, easy and free way to pay from your checking or savings account. Go to IRS.gov/directpay to pay your federal tax bill.

Apply for an IRS payment plan

If you can’t pay all your taxes at once, apply for an IRS Online Payment Agreement. A direct debit payment plan is a great way to pay. It has a lower set-up fee, you won’t miss a payment and you won’t get an IRS reminder to send a check each month.

Check on your refund

The Where’s My Refund? tool is a fast and easy way to check on your tax refund. Use the IRS2Go mobile app to access the tool, or click on the ‘Refunds’ tab on IRS.gov.

Use IRS Free File

If you need to file your tax return, you can e-file for free by using IRS Free File. If you earned $60,000 or less you can prepare and e-file your taxes using free brand name tax software. If you made more, you can use Free File Fillable Forms. This option is the electronic version of IRS paper forms.  You can also use Free File to file for an extension.

Get answers to tax questions

The Interactive Tax Assistant covers many common tax topics. Type in your question or search terms and it can lead you step-by-step to the answer. The IRS Tax Map gives you a list of tax law subjects to select. It integrates tax topics, forms, instructions and publications into one research tool.

Get health care tax information

IRS.gov has information about the Affordable Care Act at IRS.gov/aca. You can visit this site for details on how the health care law affects your taxes. For example, the pages provide information about:

• Reporting health insurance coverage.
• Claiming an exemption from the coverage requirement.
• Making an individual shared responsibility payment.
• Claiming the premium tax credit.
• Reconciling advance payments of the premium tax credit.
• You can also use the Interactive Tax Assistant tool for help on how some of these laws apply to your situation.

Check out a charity

You must donate to a qualified charity if you want to deduct the donation on your tax return. Use the IRS Select Check tool to see if a charity is qualified.

Get forms and publications

View, download and print federal tax forms and publications anytime.

Calculate your tax withholding

If you get a larger refund or owe more taxes than you expect when you file your tax return, you may need to change your tax withholding. You can complete and give your employer a new Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate. Use the IRS Withholding Calculator tool to help you fill out a new form.

Note: The information above was provided by the IRS.