Tax Help for Individuals with Disabilities

The IRS is committed to making tax information and forms accessible to all. If you or someone you know has a disability, the IRS and their partners offer several resources to assist in understanding tax forms, documents, and available services. 

Use this guide to get the accessible resources you need.

How to Get Accessible IRS Documents and Forms

If you have a disability that makes reading or understanding standard documents difficult, the IRS offers content in a variety of other file formats. 

For example, the IRS has hundreds of tax forms and publications created to help those that use:

  • Screen reading software
  • Refreshable Braille displays
  • Voice recognition software

Here are some ways you can get accessible documents by mail or download:

Getting Large Print or Braille Documents

Having trouble reading a tax letter or notice you received? You could request another copy be sent in Braille or large print.

Do this in one of three ways:

  • Call 800-829-1040 for tax assistance
  • Fax 855-473-2006 your notice and a cover sheet. Write “Alternative Media Format” at the top of the cover sheet. Include your name, address, daytime phone number, and preferred alternative media format.
  • Mail your notice with a note requesting your preferred format to:

Internal Revenue Service
Alternative Media Center 
400 N. 8th St. Room G39
Richmond, VA 23219  

After receiving your notice, the IRS will get the accessible documents mailed to you within 15 business days. 

Also, if you want paper copies of tax forms, instructions, or publications in Braille or large print, call 800-829-3676.

Download Accessible Files

If you prefer to download accessible documents, you can find them at the links found on the IRS’s Accessible Forms & Publications page.

The page has links to download files like:

  • Disability Related Products
  • Section 508 Compliant PDF Forms and Publications
  • Braille and Text Formats: Tax Forms, Instructions and Publications
  • HTML Format: Tax Instructions and Publications (Read Online)
  • Large Print Format: Tax Instructions and Publications
  • ePub Format: Tax Publications

In addition, there are also resource links for American Sign Language (ASL) videos, veterans with disabilities, and those that would like to help out by providing services.

Contact the Accessibility Helpline

If you have questions about current or future accessibility services, the IRS has an Accessibility Helpline you can contact. 

The phone number is 833-690-0598.

Please note: This helpline is strictly for learning about alternative media formats available for those with disabilities. The Helpline does not have access to your IRS account. They cannot answer specific questions about your tax situation.

New for 2022

The IRS is developing a new form for those who claimed an additional deduction for the blind on their tax return. Letter 9000, Alternative Media Preference for Notices is due to be released in December of 2021.

Beginning January 31, 2022, individuals who claimed the additional deduction for the blind can complete Form 9000 to let the IRS know their preferred alternative media format for all future IRS correspondence. 

After returning the letter, you can expect to get all your IRS correspondence in your preferred format like Braille or large print.

Free Tax Preparation for Individuals with Disabilities

You may qualify to get free basic tax return preparation. For over 50 years, the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs help older adults and those with disabilities accurately complete their taxes. 

You may be eligible for these programs if you meet at least one of these requirements:

  • Earn $57,000 or less a year
  • Been diagnosed with a disability
  • Speak limited English
  • 60 years or older (for TCE program)

All VITA/TCE volunteers preparing returns must complete tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. Also, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return filed at a VITA/TCE site before processing.
VITA and TCE sites are usually located at community or neighborhood centers and other convenient locations. You can find a VITA or TCE site near you by using the VITA Locator Tool or calling 800-906-9887.

Ensuring Equality

The IRS Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), Civil Rights Division ensures the rights of every individual are protected. If you feel that you have been discriminated against by an IRS conducted program, staff, or volunteer, you have the right to file a complaint.

You could do this by:

Director, IRS Civil Rights Division
Room 2413
1111 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20224

Save This Accessibility Resource

If you or someone you know has a disability, share or bookmark this article. It may come in handy for future reference. 

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