By John Loftus

Times Staff Writer

They're from the IRS, and they're here to help you.

No, seriously.

The Internal Revenue Service is opening its offices at Sixth and Arch streets this Saturday to taxpayers who need some help with their tax forms. The free assistance, called Solution Saturday, will be offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the federal building at 600 Arch St.

"We need to stay in touch with taxpayers and keep the lines of communication open for people who need tax help," Rick Byrd, the IRS wage and investment commissioner, stated in a news release. "'Solution Saturday' will be another way taxpayers can get access to the help they need to solve their unique tax issues."

IRS staff will be available to assist taxpayers and answer questions on federal tax matters related to individuals and businesses. That help will address personal federal tax matters for wage-earning individuals, along with issues pertinent to self-employed people and small-business owners.

IRS Pennsylvania spokesman David Stewart said the agency realizes that the tax code particularly can be a challenge for people in unfamiliar situations.

"Foreclosures, bankruptcies, payment plans related to delinquent taxes, tax penalties, past-due tax returns and other tax issues can be a challenge for taxpayers," Stewart said.

In addition to the specialized tax help on Solution Saturday, IRS employees will be available to provide information on the new tax credits and deductions created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Staffers also can discuss topics related to starting and operating a business, small-business tax issues and dealing with difficult tax issues.

But is seeking the help of the IRS right for you?

That depends, said a Mayfair accountant.

If you need assistance with a simple tax return or, perhaps, owe a couple years' back taxes, Solution Saturday might be for you, said C. Thomas Maniaci, a certified public accountant whose office on the 6700 block of Frankford Ave. has been preparing tax returns for a quarter-century.

"I don't see any harm in it," Maniaci said.

But that's only if your tax matters are fairly simple.

"If you have a complicated return, go to an accountant who can help you," Maniaci said.

"If you have the type of return that requires record-keeping, I don't think the IRS agents are going to have the time to help you."

Also, he said, if your questions involve back or delinquent taxes, the IRS staffers can help you work out a deal. "They can erase penalties, but not interest owed," he said.

That interest, said Stewart, the IRS spokesman, varies with the stretch of time involved, as do the penalties.

"They vary from year to year, from quarter to quarter, depending on how far back you go," he said of the delinquency period.

Stewart agreed that some tax situations might not afford a swift solution. "It might be complicated," he said, "but we can set you on the right track."

That might include learning about some of the forms you need, or getting a better understanding of the steps you must take to resolve a tax situation.

"It's always better to know what's coming down the track than to have the train run over you," Stewart said.

He added that there is a good possibility IRS staffers might schedule additional appointments. "It's hard to say if we will wrap up in one day," Stewart said.

The IRS is debuting Solution Saturday in five cities as a pilot program. The other cities are Detroit, Atlanta, Houston and Los Angeles.

The federal agency also is hopeful that this public project might bring in some revenue. There is a tax-collection shortfall of about $350 billion in the nation because of income that is underreported or not reported by tax filers, as well as returns that aren't filed at all, Stewart explained.

"Eventually it's going to catch up to you," he said. "Why not make amends now . . . and face up to the issues? Maybe we can set up a payment plan."

Taxpayers who attend Solution Saturday should bring all pertinent documents, including Social Security card, driver's license, bills that show a current mailing address, receipts, information about dependent children, and, if you bought a new air-conditioner, bring the receipt and some information about that.

Air-conditioner? If you recently bought a new and efficient air-conditioner, you might be eligible for a federal energy tax credit, Stewart said.

In fact, there might be plenty of nooks and crannies in the federal tax system that hold money for you, he said. Every year brings changes to the tax laws.

And one more thing . . . if you want to settle accounts, or show a little good faith, Stewart said, bring your checkbook.

Reporter John Loftus can be reached at 215-354-3110 or jloftus@phillynews.com

1040, good buddy . . .

Philadelphia residents interested in seeking personal IRS assistance on Solution Saturday, Nov. 7, may visit the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in the William J. Green Federal Building, 600 Arch St., from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Use the Sixth Street side entrance.)

Appointments aren't required, but they can be made by calling 215-861-1902 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Also, taxpayers may visit the IRS Web site, www.IRS.gov, or get help by calling 1-800-TAX-1040.