Filing Your Taxes: 7 Ridiculously Simple Online Tax Tips

Federal tax filing began Jan. 31. Here are seven tax-filing tips that will help you find forms, check your refund and more, courtesy of Fairfax County. See more information.

• Check on your refund Use the "Where's My Refund?" tool at the IRS website or the automated system at 1-800-829-1954. IRS Phone representatives don't have any additional information beyond what these tools provide.

• Get forms and publications If all you need are forms or publications, download and print them from the IRS website or call 1-800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676) to have them mailed, for free, to your home.

• Get previous years' tax info You can order a transcript of your account at www.irs.gov.

• Payment plans If you can't pay the tax you owe, you can apply for an installment agreement using the Online Payment Agreement application, or you can print the Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request from the IRS website, then complete and mail it.

• Business taxpayers Taxpayers with small business-related questions should call 1-800-829-4933.

• Understanding a notice If you received a notice, call the number on your notice, not the main help line, to reach the IRS staff trained to help with that issue.

• Specialized reasons If you're calling for a very specific reason, there may be a direct phone number you should call instead of the main IRS help line. Visit the "Contact IRS" link atwww.irs.gov to get more information on contacting the IRS about reporting identity theft or fraud, reaching the Taxpayer Advocate Service, voluntarily disclosing offshore accounts, information on the Health Coverage Tax Credit, or if you're calling from outside the United States.