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IRS helps tax filers on ‘Super Saturday’

Marketplace Staff Mar 20, 2009
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IRS helps tax filers on ‘Super Saturday’

Marketplace Staff Mar 20, 2009
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TEXT OF STORY

Steve Chiotakis: I don’t know about you, but when I think of the IRS, the word “super” doesn’t come to mind. But for marketing purposes, the agency wants taxpayers to know they have a place to go for answers to tax questions that range from the simple to the baffling. It’s one big day — “Super Saturday” — tomorrow. Amanda Aronczyk tells us more.


Amanda Aronczyk: Last year at this time, the IRS was helping people get the Bush administration’s tax rebates. This year, the agency has a different concern. Here’s a recent radio ad:

Radio ad: First, no matter what, make sure you file a tax return.

Even if you can’t afford it.

Susan Carroll is the IRS executive in charge of Super Saturday:

Susan Carroll: We’re seeing people in distress, so we have gone through various scenarios with our employees, we’ve given them special training. Sensitivity training I’ll call it.

She says IRS employees know it’s been a difficult year for many. So they now have more authority. They can work out payment plans, accommodate skipped payments and speed up refunds.

Carroll: During these tough economic times, we do have some ability to work with the individuals to make sure that we work out a plan that they can meet and that will help them get their taxes paid off.

The additional flexibility is the real change this year. Carroll says if you’re looking for the stimulus bill tax relief, you’ll have to wait for Super Saturday 2010.

I’m Amanda Aronczyk for Marketplace.

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