In an effort to reach out to taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is expanding its presence on social media, making its debut on Instagram. You can find the IRS at https://www.instagram.com/irsnews.
The account profile notes:
IRS Privacy Policy: http://go.usa.gov/VgO
Make your list & check it twice, take these steps to make sure your tax filing season is nice.www.irs.gov/getready
As of today, there were just two posts. Here’s one:
The idea, according to the IRS, is to provide taxpayers with the latest information on a variety of topics. In particular, the IRS Instagram account will share taxpayer-friendly information to help people get ready for the upcoming tax season. And it will provide the latest tax scam information to help support the Security Summit initiative, a joint effort between the IRS, states and the nation’s tax industry to combat tax-related identity theft.
“The addition of 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 as well as other tax information they might not be aware. The IRS will continue to work with and help taxpayers in as many ways possible.”
IRS already has a presence on other social media:
- 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.
Instagram is another way to reach taxpayers. Research shows that more than 70% of U.S. young adults between 18 and 24 are active on the social media platform. The IRS plans to use Instagram to better serve this segment of the population, sharing content on tax topics that affect all taxpayers.
The IRS also reminds taxpayers they can subscribe to a number of email subscription services for the latest tax information. Taxpayers can visit e-News subscriptions to sign up.
