WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Internal Revenue Service will host a special nationwide open house today to help taxpayers solve tax problems and respond to notices from the IRS.

Approximately 200 IRS offices, at least one in every state, will be open today from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Locally, the nearest open offices are located at 1555 Poydras St. in New Orleans and at 2600 Citiplace Centre in Baton Rouge. IRS staff will be available on site or by telephone to help taxpayers work through their problems –– especially recently received tax notices –– and walk out with solutions.

“We’ve helped thousands of taxpayers resolve their problems the same day at these open houses,” IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said. “If you have a question regarding a notice, a problem with your taxes or difficulty resolving a tough tax issue, we encourage you to come in and work with us.”

IRS locations will be equipped to handle issues involving notices and payments, return preparation, audits and a variety of other issues. At a previous IRS open house on May 15, close to 7,000 taxpayers sought and received assistance. About 97 percent of the taxpayers who came in for help had their issues resolved the same day.

At today’s open house, someone who has received a notice seeking additional information can speak with an IRS employee to get a clear explanation of what is necessary to satisfy the request. A taxpayer who cannot pay a tax balance due can discuss with an IRS professional whether an installment agreement is appropriate and, if so, fill out the paperwork then and there. Assistance with offers-in-compromise –– an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS that settles the taxpayer’s debt for less than the full amount owed –– will also be available. Likewise, a taxpayer struggling to complete a certain IRS form or schedule can work directly with IRS staff to get the job done.

The open house today is the second of three events scheduled after tax season this year. The first was held on May 15. The next event, previously scheduled for Saturday, June 26, will be held later this fall. Details regarding that event will be available later.