If you're fretting about filing your 2011 taxes, you may well have a friend in the IRS! The Internal Revenue Service provides assistance to those with disabilities as well as some special deductions and options for taxpayers.

Special thanks to our friends at Easter Seals Crossroads who have compiled these great tips and information. Follow this link for a complete index of accessible IRS forms.

Meanwhile, here are a few things to keep in mind this year when you prepare your taxes...

Earned Income Tax Credit

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) was responsible for paying out nearly $60 billion in 2010 to some 26 million Americans, with an average payment of $2,000. There are about 20 criteria determining qualification, but generally, if your income is in the low to moderate range, you are a U.S. citizen, have a Social Security number, and are between the ages of 25 and 65, you probably qualify. A couple filing jointly, for instance, earning less than $49,000, with three qualifying children, can receive up to $5,600. (A qualifying child is a child under age 24 who is a full-time student or a child of any age who is permanently disabled). Note that disability benefits such as SSI, SSDI, or Veterans’ benefits do not count as income for this credit. To qualify, you must have other earned income. To find out more, visit the IRS website and search for EITC.

Free Tax Preparation

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) has 90,000 certified volunteers preparing tax returns free of charge for people with disabilities all over the country. Typically, returns are filed electronically which means a quicker refund and no paper for you to handle. Centers are open January through April 15 or, in some places, April 18. Hours vary. Most are open Monday through Friday during the day, but evenings and Saturdays are also offered. Some require appointments, but many have no appointment requirements. To find the center nearest you, type the name of your state plus the word VITA (e.g., “New York VITA” or “Michigan VITA” without the quotes) in the search box on the IRS homepage.

You can also file your own return electronically free of charge by taking advantage of the Free File program. This is made possible by a group of tax preparation software companies (TurboTax and others) who have formed an alliance in order to provide free filing to those who meet income qualifications.

Investing Your Refund

When you file electronically and are due a tax refund, you can have that refund deposited electronically as well. You can even have your refund divided, according to your instructions, into as many as three parts. If, for instance, your refund is $5,000, you could direct that $2,000 be deposited into your IRA, $1,000 be used to purchase two $500 savings bonds from the IRS, and the remaining $2,000 be deposited directly into your personal checking account to pay bills or buy yourself a present for being such a savvy taxpayer! There is no cost for dividing your refund in this manner.

Finding IRS Information

Many people worry about making a mistake on their tax return, but helpful information you need to accurately file your taxes is available and accessible. The resources listed below are good places to begin your research. Get started educating yourself now and you won’t have to worry when April 15 comes around.

Taxpayer Advocate Service

When I had my problem several years ago, I didn’t know about the Taxpayer Advocate Service, a free service provided by the IRS to taxpayers needing help solving tax problems or inequities. To find the tax advocate in your state, go to the IRS’s Taxpayer Advocate Service website or call (877) 777-4778.

Alternate Media Center

I did request information in braille and subsequently received a large box of braille publications in the mail. The IRS operates an Alternate Media Center, through which documents can be obtained in braille or audio formats. The website is also accessible to screen readers and refreshable braille displays, and publications can be downloaded. Publications can also be ordered by calling (800) 829-3676.

IRS Information Line

To check the status of your refund or listen to information on 17 categories of tax topics on the telephone, call (800) 829-4477. It warrants noting that, although there is a considerable amount of detailed and useful information on this toll-free line, there are no topics included that specifically relate to disability.

General Questions

To get answers to general tax questions from a live representative, call (800) 829-1040 .