IRS Form 9000 Explained: How to Request Accessible IRS Tax Notices

Form 9000 is different from many forms in this series: it does not calculate income, deductions, or tax owed. Instead, it lets taxpayers choose an accessible format for written IRS communications, including large print, Braille, audio, plain-text files, or Braille-ready files. Taxpayers can also make this election through an IRS Individual Online Account or by calling the IRS.

What Is IRS Form 9000?

Receiving and understanding IRS letters is an important part of managing your federal taxes. However, standard printed notices may not be accessible or convenient for every taxpayer. The Internal Revenue Service offers an option to receive certain written communications in a format that better meets an individual’s needs.

IRS Form 9000, Alternative Media Preference, allows taxpayers to select an accessible format for IRS written communications. Available choices include large print, Braille, audio, plain-text files, and Braille-ready files.

Form 9000 does not calculate your tax liability, claim a tax credit, or report income. Instead, it helps the IRS communicate tax information in a format the taxpayer can use more easily.

The form can be particularly helpful for individuals who are blind, have low vision, or use assistive technology to read written information. Taxpayers who have difficulty reading standard printed notices may also find an alternative format useful.

The IRS currently lists Form 9000 with a November 2021 revision date. Taxpayers should consult the official IRS website for the latest form and instructions before submitting their request.

Who Should Consider Filing Form 9000?

Form 9000 may be useful for taxpayers who need accessible versions of IRS letters and notices.

Examples include:

• Individuals who are blind and prefer Braille or audio communications.
• Taxpayers with low vision who need large-print documents.
• Individuals who use screen readers or other assistive technology.
• Taxpayers who prefer plain-text electronic files.
• Individuals who need documents in a Braille-ready file format for compatible equipment.

Accessible communications can be especially important when an IRS notice requests additional information, explains a balance due, or describes a deadline for responding.

An IRS letter may require action by a specific date. Being able to read and understand the communication promptly can help a taxpayer determine what steps to take next.

Requesting an accessible format does not eliminate the taxpayer’s responsibility to respond to notices or meet applicable deadlines.

What Accessible Formats Can You Choose?

Form 9000 provides several options. You should select the one that best meets your needs.

Large print: A larger text format that may be easier for people with low vision to read.

Braille: A tactile reading format used by individuals who read Braille.

Audio (MP3): An audio version that can be listened to using compatible devices.

Plain-text file (TXT): A text-based electronic format that may work well with screen readers and other assistive technology.

Braille-ready file (BRF): A digital format designed for compatible Braille displays or embossing equipment.

Standard print: Selecting standard print cancels a prior alternative-media election.

The Form 9000 instructions state that taxpayers will also receive a standard-print copy, even when they select an alternative format. Only one format should be selected on the form; multiple selections will not be processed.

How Do You Complete IRS Form 9000?

Form 9000 is relatively straightforward compared with forms used to calculate income taxes. The following steps explain the general process.

Step 1: Download the official form

Visit the IRS website and obtain the current Form 9000. Use the official form rather than an unofficial version that may contain outdated instructions.

Step 2: Enter your identifying information

Provide the taxpayer’s name and Social Security number in the appropriate fields.

If you are submitting Form 9000 separately rather than attaching it to a federal tax return, complete the address section as directed on the form.

Step 3: Select your preferred format

Check only one option:

• Standard print.
• Large print.
• Braille.
• Audio (MP3).
• Plain-text file (TXT).
• Braille-ready file (BRF).

Consider which format is easiest for you to access and use. Do not check multiple boxes.

Step 4: Sign and date the form when required

If you file Form 9000 as a standalone document, sign and date it in the designated area.

When submitting the form with your tax return, follow the signature instructions printed on the form.

Step 5: Submit your request

The IRS provides several ways to make an alternative-media election:

• Include the completed Form 9000 with your federal income tax return.
• Mail the completed form separately to the IRS Alternative Media Center.
• Select your preferred format through your IRS Individual Online Account.
• Call the IRS at 800-829-1040 to elect your preferred format.

If mailing the form separately, check the current IRS instructions for the correct mailing address and submission requirements.

Step 6: Watch for future communications

After the IRS processes your election, future qualifying written communications should be provided in your selected format. Keep your contact information current and review any IRS correspondence promptly.

If you have already received a notice in standard print and need that particular document in an accessible format, the IRS has separate procedures for requesting an accessible version of an existing notice.

Does Form 9000 Change Your Tax Return or Filing Deadline?

No. Form 9000 is an accessibility preference form. It does not extend your tax filing deadline, change the amount of tax you owe, or automatically resolve an IRS notice.

For example, if the IRS sends you a notice requesting documents by a certain date, choosing Braille or large-print correspondence does not automatically extend that response period.

If you receive a notice that you do not understand, review the notice’s instructions and deadline carefully. You may need to contact the IRS or obtain assistance from a qualified tax professional.

Form 9000 also does not replace the procedures for requesting a transcript, a copy of a tax return, or a replacement tax document.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When requesting accessible IRS communications, avoid these common problems:

• Checking more than one format on Form 9000.
• Forgetting to sign the form when submitting it separately.
• Leaving out required identifying information.
• Using an outdated form or mailing address.
• Assuming the election changes an existing notice’s response deadline.
• Confusing accessible communications with language-translation services.

Taxpayers who need IRS communications in another language should review the separate procedures for requesting language assistance. Accessible format preferences and language preferences serve different purposes.

How AIM Financial Can Help With Tax Preparation

Understanding IRS letters, notices, and tax forms can be confusing, especially when a taxpayer is trying to resolve a tax issue while also managing an annual return.

AIM Financial helps taxpayers organize their tax information and address their tax preparation needs. If you live in Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Wyoming, or elsewhere in West Michigan, contact AIM Financial to discuss your tax preparation questions and determine what records may be needed for your federal or Michigan income tax return.

Although Form 9000 is an accessibility request rather than a tax calculation form, understanding the paperwork you receive from the IRS is an important part of staying organized and responding appropriately.

Contact AIM Financial for tax preparation assistance and help organizing the information needed for your federal income tax return.

Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes and is not individualized tax or legal advice. Form 9000 and IRS accessibility procedures may change. Always review the latest official IRS instructions and follow the response deadlines shown on any notice you receive.