Last updated 05/24/2024
Filing taxes can be difficult, especially if you are experiencing housing instability or homelessness.
If you’ve lost your tax documents, don’t know where to file your taxes, or don’t know how to get your refund, here are some tips to help you prepare to file your taxes.
Should I file taxes if I don’t have to?
Even if you aren’t required to file a tax return, you may still qualify for tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC). These credits lower the amount of taxes you owe and may provide a refund at tax time. To claim the credits, all you need to do is file your taxes.
How do I file taxes without a permanent address?
You must include a mailing address on your tax return. This is the primary way the IRS communicates with you. Shelters and other service providers, such as health care clinics and drop-in day centers, may allow you to use their address for your taxes. Other places that offer services for people experiencing homelessness like a Community Action Agency or Salvation Army are also options.
If you are not staying in a shelter or cannot find a service provider nearby, you can also use a trusted relative’s or friend’s address.
How do I file taxes if I’ve lost my tax forms?
To file taxes, you will need Forms W-2 or 1099 from your employer. If you did not get these forms or lost them, you can still file taxes and claim tax credits by getting a copy of these documents from your employer.
If you cannot get a copy, you can fill out Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, or Form 1099-R, Distributions From Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit-Sharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Contracts, etc. These forms ask for information about your wages and taxes that are withheld. It is helpful for you to have documents such as a final pay stub to complete it. If you do not have a final pay stub, you may still be able to fill out the form by estimating your earnings.
If you cannot estimate your earnings, you can ask for a wage and income transcript from the IRS for free. This transcript has information for Forms W-2, 1099, and 1098. You have two options to get the transcript:
Online: Register for Get Online Transcript, to instantly view, print, or download your transcript. Online transcripts hide some of your personal information to help reduce identity theft.
To use Get Online Transcript, you will need to sign in with your IRS username or create a new account with ID.me To create a new account, you will need to have photo identification, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. You will also need to take a video of yourself with a smartphone or a computer or use a webcam to verify through video chat.
Mail: Use Get Transcript by Mail or call the automated phone transcript service at 800-908-9946 to get your transcript by mail. You will need your mailing address from your most recent tax return. The IRS will mail unredacted transcripts with all your personal information visible to the last address they have on record for you. It will take 5 to 10 days from the time the IRS receives your request.
If your address has changed from the one used on your most recent tax return, you will need to file Form 8822, Change of Address before requesting a transcript. This form will update your mailing address to the one you will use to file your tax return. Transcripts cannot be faxed.
If neither of those options work, you can submit Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, to get tax return information by mail.
If your state requires you to file a state return, contact your state’s department of revenue or tax office to get info on any state tax withheld.
Where do I find free tax help?
If you (and your spouse if filing together) earn $64,000 or less, you could qualify for free tax help in your community. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and AARP Tax-Aide sites offer free and reliable tax filing services.
The volunteers at these sites have an accuracy rate of over 90 percent, the highest in the industry. To find a site, visit the IRS’ site locator tool.
If you have a basic tax return, there are free options to file online. You can visit GetYourRefund.org, an online tax service where you can file your tax return with the help of an IRS-certified volunteer if you earn less than $66,000. GetYourRefund.org is also free to file your own tax return if your income is under $79,000.
Another way to file your own taxes is through MyFreeTaxes.com which is free regardless of income.
If you have filing needs that aren’t supported by these free tax filing options, there are many tax filing software options that may cost less than visiting a paid tax preparer.
RESOURCES
- Claiming Social Security Benefits While Experiencing Homelessness – Social Security Administration
- Find Shelter & Homelessness Assistance Services Directory – Department of Housing and Urban Development
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