IRS on the air: Federal tax agency embraces YouTube, iTunes

The IRS has launched a YouTube video site and an iTunes podcast site to better serve taxpayers.

 

People can visit the video site at www.youtube.com/irsvideos to view information about the Recovery, tax tips and how-to videos. These videos are presented in English, Spanish, American Sign Language, and other languages are in the works.

 

The YouTube focus is on the provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Videos highlight the $8,000 first-time homebuyer’s credit for those who purchase a house this year, the sales or excise tax deduction on new car purchases, and the expanded credits for education and energy conservation.

 

The IRS YouTube channel debuted with seven Recovery videos in English and ASL and eight in Spanish. Also, included is a video on using the IRS Withholding Calculator. Many workers received the Making Work Pay tax credit in April through their tax withholding at work. However, the IRS is encouraging people who have more than one job or working spouses to check their withholding to ensure neither too much nor too little is being withheld. People can use the calculator to help determine if they should make adjustments.

 

People can visit the audio site to listen to IRS podcasts about ARRA tax credits. People without an iTunes account can hear those same podcasts, in English and Spanish, on IRS.gov’s Multimedia Center.