The Internal Revenue Service has added Instagram as a new platform to their social media portfolio. This is to help all taxpayers understand and meet their tax responsibilities
Topics Included for Instagram
The IRS News account (https://www.instagram.com/irsnews) will provide taxpayers with the latest information on the tax law changes for the upcoming 2019 filing season. A variety of topics posted to the account will include the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The IRS and Security Summit have teamed up to help support the states and nation against tax industry and tax-related identity theft. It will also provide the latest tax scam information to help support the joint initiative.
Benefits of New Platform
Instagram is another step for the IRS to share information more widely and reach additional taxpayers,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “This platform will help make people aware of important options they have during the upcoming filing season. It will also provide other tax information they might not be aware. The IRS will continue to work with and help taxpayers in as many ways possible.”
What Research Shows
More than 70 percent of U.S. young adults between 18 and 24 are active on Instagram. The IRS plans to use Instagram to better serve this segment of the population, sharing content on tax topics that affect all taxpayers.
Available in Other Languages
The IRS Instagram account will also periodically share information in Spanish and other languages. @IRSnews will also work in conjunction with IRS.gov and other existing agency social media options.
Other social media platforms offering official IRS information include:
- YouTube. The IRS offers video tax tips in English, Spanish or American Sign Language.
- Twitter. Follow @IRSnews for tax-related announcements and tips. @IRStaxpros tweets news and guidance for tax professionals. Tweets from @IRSenEspanol have and the latest tax information in Spanish.
- Facebook. News and information for taxpayers and tax return preparers.
- LinkedIn. The IRS shares agency updates and job opportunities.
IRS2GO Mobile App
The IRS social media effort works closely with IRS2Go. This is a free mobile app with the ability to check taxpayer’s refund status and pay taxes. IRS YouTube videos and get IRS Tax Tips via email are available with the app. Like Instagram, the IRS2Go app is available from the Google Play Store for Android devices, or from the Apple App Store for Apple devices. IRS2Go is available in both English and Spanish, based on the phone settings.