Some free alternatives to the helpline exist, including:

1. The IRS website: Not only does the IRS site have every form and publication you're likely to need, but the site also handles some of the most common tasks, including paying your tax bill, setting up a payment plan, getting a transcript of your return and checking on the status of your refund (which you also can do with the agency's mobile app, IRS2Go). The site features an Interactive Tax Assistant, which uses an interview format to answer some of the most common preparation and filing questions.

2. Walk-in centers: You can make an appointment to get free face-to-face help at one of the Taxpayer Assistance Centers. As with the IRS helpline, only basic tax law questions will be answered and only until April 15. The centers no longer will help you prepare a tax return.

3. Tax software: The IRS' Free File program allows people with incomes under $60,000 to use popular tax preparation software such as H&R Block, TaxAct and TurboTax for free.

The programs offer an interview format and built-in error checkers that catch math and other common mistakes.

4. Volunteer sites: The AARP Foundation's 35,000 Tax-Aide volunteers helped 2.6 million people file their returns last year, said Dorothy Howe, the program's assistant national director. The program is designed to help low- to moderate-income people, but there's no age limit, Howe said.

"Even though this is being offered by AARP, you don't have to be over 50 and you don't have to be retired," Howe said.

What you do have to have is a relative straightforward return, Howe said. A 1040 with some itemized deductions is fine. If you're a day trader with a ton of investments or a small business owner, you should hire a tax pro.

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