IRS Forms Guide: The Forms You Need to Answer a Notice
A plain-English guide to about 40 IRS forms people use most when they get a notice, owe a balance, face an audit or deal with identity theft, and when each one applies.
Reference
Resources
Our reference pages and the official IRS tools you are most likely to need, all in one place.
Reference pages
IRS Glossary: Plain-English Tax Terms A to Z
Short, plain-English definitions of the words the IRS uses in notices, letters and collection, from abatement to wage levy, so you can read your notice with confidence.
IRS Tax Calendar 2026–2027: Key Federal Deadlines
Federal tax deadlines from October 2026 through December 2027 for individuals, the self-employed, businesses and employers, month by month, already adjusted for weekends and holidays.
Official IRS tools
These links go to IRS.gov and the Taxpayer Advocate Service. The IRS never charges for them.
- IRS Online AccountSee your balance, notices, payments and transcripts, and set up a payment plan.
- Where's My Refund?Track the status of this year's refund.
- Get TranscriptDownload account, return and wage-and-income transcripts.
- Payment plansApply for a short-term or long-term payment plan online.
- Offer in Compromise Pre-QualifierCheck whether an offer in compromise could be an option.
- Identity Protection PINGet an IP PIN to protect your Social Security number on tax returns.
- Identity Theft CentralReport and recover from tax-related identity theft.
- Tax Withholding EstimatorCheck whether your paycheck withholding is on track.
- Taxpayer Advocate ServiceIndependent help inside the IRS when normal channels have failed.
- Low Income Taxpayer ClinicsFree or low-cost representation in disputes with the IRS.
- Free tax return preparation (VITA/TCE)Free return preparation for people who qualify.
- IRS Free FileFree brand-name software for eligible taxpayers.