A Jan. 30 Facebook post (direct link, archive link) included an image of IRS Form 8944.
“For those of you who owe the IRS did you know that this year you can file a Economic Hardship so that you can receive your taxes!” reads the start of the post. “The form you need to file is 8944 and it needs to be filed before 2/15. Approval could take up to 4-6 weeks.”
The post was shared more than 2,000 times in two days.
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IRS Form 8944 is for certain tax preparers filing for an exemption from the requirement to electronically submit their clients’ taxes. Experts told USA TODAY various options exist for taxpayers with financial hardship, which include requesting an expedited refund, having their required file date extended or receiving a "currently not collectible" designation.
When reached by USA TODAY for comment, the social media user acknowledged the post included false information and said it was “made to make a statement.”
Experts confirmed Form 8944 is not meant for use by individual taxpayers seeking financial relief.
The full form, which can be found on the IRS website, includes a section that specifies it is for tax preparers who want to waive the requirement of electronically filing tax returns because of economic hardship.
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