The Internal Revenue Service will host a special nationwide open house on Saturday, May 15, to help small businesses and individuals solve tax problems.

Approximately 200 IRS offices, at least one in every state, will be open on May 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., local time. IRS staff will be available on site or by telephone to help taxpayers work through their problems and walk out with solutions.

“Our goal is to resolve issues on the spot so small businesses and individuals can put any issues they have with the IRS behind them,” IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said. “If you have a problem filing or paying your taxes or 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, approximately two-thirds of taxpayers requested and received assistance with payments and notices.

So, for example, 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 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.

At the most recent tax help open houses, 88 percent of the taxpayers who came in for help had their issues resolved the same day.

The Seattle TAC will be open between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., May 15, at the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building at 915 Second Ave. in Seattle.

Two more workshops are planned for Saturday, June 5, and Saturday, June 26.

For more, go to www.IRS.gov.