IRS offers taxpayers last-minute tips

ST. LOUIS -- The Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers that there isn't much time left to take action that could affect their 2007 tax bills. Taxpayers should consider recent tax-law changes, such as new rules for charitable giving and provisions scheduled to expire at the end of this year.

The IRS offers the following suggestions:

* Start gathering records into one place. There's no substitute for good records. Having everything in one place will enable you to quickly see if you're missing important information and help make preparing your tax return faster and easier. It will also help ensure that you don't miss out on any deductions or credits. Go through all your records and put everything that relates to your 2007 taxes in one place.

* Make sure you have all the necessary social security numbers. Apply for social security numbers for new babies born during the year. If you have changed your name, for example, by marriage or divorce, make sure you change your records with the Social Security Administration. The IRS matches names and social security numbers with Social Security Administration records. If the name and number don't match, the return won't be processed.

* Be sure to get receipts for charitable contributions. Make gifts to charitable organizations by Dec. 31. This year there are new rules that require written proof for any donations -- clothes, money or anything else. Anything used must be in "good condition" and you can claim only the fair market value.

* Make a donation from your Individual Retirement Account. A law expires Dec. 31 that could benefit taxpayers who are 70 years old or older. They can transfer as much as $100,000 directly from their individual retirement account to a qualified charity without having to pay income taxes on that money. The transfer also counts toward the minimum required distribution for the year.

* There are tax breaks for home improvements. Individuals who have purchased and installed energy-efficient windows, insulation, doors, roofs and heating and cooling equipment during 2007 could receive a tax credit of up to $500.

* Be aware of scams and "phishing." If you get an e-mail claiming to be from the IRS that asks for personal or financial information, it might really be identity thieves. The IRS does not request personal taxpayer information through e-mail. If you receive a suspicious e-mail that claims to come from the IRS, you can send that e-mail to the IRS at, phishing@irs.gov.

* Tax information and forms are available online. Tax information, forms and publications are available 24 hours a day at IRS.gov, the only official IRS Web site. For those who don't have Internet access, the Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., Fort Scott, Kan., and the Nevada Public Library, 218 W. Walnut St., Nevada, Mo., offer the use of computers with Internet service. For taxpayers who need to speak with an IRS representative, the IRS has a toll-free line at (800) 829-1040 where they can obtain tax information. To order forms or publications, call the IRS at (800) 829-3676.