The IRS on Facebook, Twitter and More

Many government organizations have turned to social media as a tool to disseminate important information to the people. The latest organization to have joined the bandwagon is the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS joined several social media channels to help people find out what they need to do to file their tax returns. 

·         IRS2Go – Free mobile app that gives your refund status, tax news updates, IRS YouTube videos and lets you request for tax records

·         You Tube- Dozens of video tax tips on a variety of topics

·         Twitter - Tweets from @IRSnews provide tax-related announcements and daily tax tips, tweets from @IRStaxpros offer news and guidance for tax professionals, the Taxpayer Advocate Service sends tweets from @YourVoiceAtIRS and @RecruitmentIRS provides updates for job seekers

·         Podcasts - Short audio recordings that offer one tax-related topic per podcast.

·         Tumblr - Users can access IRS tax tips, videos and podcasts. The IRS also uses Tumblr to share information about important programs.

·         Facebook - The IRS has four Facebook pages that provide news and information for taxpayers and tax return preparers. You can check the IRS pages to get updates on job openings or for tax assistance from the Taxpayer Advocate Service.

Most of these social media channels are available to use on your browser, smartphone, tablet or desktop making it extremely convenient to get information. However, remember to never share your Social Security Number or any confidential information on any of these sites. Maintaining privacy is a top priority of the IRS. These social media tools are used to share public information, and not answer person tax or account questions.

While I am surprised that the IRS has made social media a communication strategy, this is a great way for people to get the tax information and tools that they need to help file their federal tax returns.   Many people remain clueless as to how the IRS can be of benefit to them especially when it comes to federal tax returns.  Fortunately, the IRS has initiated a good move to help more people understand what the IRS does to help them and not just to collect from them.



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