IRS Publication 5878 – The IRS continues expanding support for taxpayers with limited English proficiency (LEP) through multilingual resources. IRS Publication 5878 (Rev. March 2025), titled Help Taxpayers Select a Preferred Language, serves as a practical tool—especially for VITA/TCE volunteers—to help taxpayers request IRS notices, letters, and communications in their preferred language.
This guide explains Publication 5878, its purpose, how it works with Schedule LEP, the list of supported languages, and practical steps for taxpayers and volunteers.
What Is IRS Publication 5878?
Publication 5878 is a concise IRS resource (Catalog Number 94429V) revised in March 2025 and posted on March 20, 2025. It primarily targets Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) volunteers.
Key purpose: It equips volunteers to ask the right questions during tax preparation and guide taxpayers in selecting a preferred language for future IRS written communications. The publication highlights that taxpayers can receive important IRS letters and notices in languages other than English when available.
It includes:
- Lists of available languages
- Sample questions and scripts for volunteer-taxpayer interactions
- Tips on integrating language preference into tax preparation software or interviews
- Reminders about the process and benefits
Download it here: IRS Publication 5878 PDF.
Why Language Preference Matters for Taxpayers?
Many taxpayers feel more comfortable and understand tax obligations better in their native language. Selecting a preferred language helps the IRS provide:
- Notices about refunds, balances due, audits, or changes in tax status
- Clearer explanations of tax law and requirements
- Improved compliance and fewer errors or missed deadlines
Volunteers using Publication 5878 play a key role in making these services accessible at free tax preparation sites across the country.
How Taxpayers Select a Preferred Language: Schedule LEP?
The main mechanism for requesting alternative language communications is Schedule LEP (Form 1040) — Request for Change in Language Preference.
Who should file it?
- Taxpayers (or spouses on joint returns) with limited English proficiency who want future IRS written communications in another language.
- It is not mandatory but highly recommended for those who prefer non-English materials.
How to file:
- Complete Schedule LEP and attach it to your Form 1040 (or 1040-SR) when filing your tax return.
- Select only one preferred language from the list.
- For joint returns, each spouse who wants a different language files their own Schedule LEP.
- You can also use it later to switch back to English or change languages.
Where to get the form:
- Schedule LEP (English)
- Schedule LEP (Spanish)
- Instructions are available in English and many other languages.
Once processed, the IRS aims to send applicable written communications in the requested language when translations are available.
Languages Supported by the IRS (20+ Options)
Publication 5878 and Schedule LEP currently support the following languages (with codes used on the form):
- 000 English (default)
- 001 Spanish (Español)
- 002 Korean (한국어)
- 003 Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt)
- 004 Russian (Русский)
- 005 Arabic (العربية)
- 006 Haitian Creole (Kreyòl Ayisyen)
- 007 Tagalog (Tagalog)
- 008 Portuguese (Português)
- 009 Polish (Polski)
- 010 Farsi (فارسی)
- 011 French (Français)
- 012 Japanese (日本語)
- 013 Gujarati (ગુજરાતી)
- 014 Punjabi (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ)
- 015 Khmer (ខ្មែរ)
- 016 Urdu (اردو)
- 017 Bengali (বাংলা)
- 018 Italian (Italiano)
- 019 Chinese – Traditional (中文(繁體))
- 020 Chinese – Simplified (中文(简体))
Note: Availability of full translations varies by document type, but the IRS continues expanding options.
Step-by-Step Guidance from Publication 5878 for Volunteers
Publication 5878 provides practical examples, including:
- Interview questions: “Would you like to receive letters and notices from the IRS in a language other than English? □ Yes □ No. If yes, which language?”
- Tax software prompts: Suggestions for how software might ask about language preference during return preparation.
- Best practices: How to explain the benefits clearly and ensure the taxpayer understands they are selecting a preference for future IRS correspondence.
Volunteers should file Schedule LEP with the return if the taxpayer requests it.
Additional IRS Multilingual Resources
Beyond Publication 5878 and Schedule LEP, the IRS offers:
- IRS.gov language tools — Language selector on many pages (Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, and others).
- Multilingual publications and forms — Many key forms and Pub 17 (Your Federal Income Tax) available in multiple languages.
- Phone assistance — Dedicated lines and over-the-phone interpreter services in numerous languages.
- Alternative media — For accessibility (Braille, large print, audio) via Form 9000.
Tip: Visit the official IRS Languages page for the latest resources.
Important Note on Current IRS Language Services (2025–2026)
In 2025, executive actions designated English as the official language and prompted reviews of federal multilingual programs. While discussions continue about potential adjustments, IRS Publication 5878 remains current, Schedule LEP is actively used, and many language services persist. Taxpayers and volunteers should check IRS.gov for the most up-to-date information.
Final Thoughts: Making Tax Season More Accessible
IRS Publication 5878 is a small but powerful tool that bridges language gaps and helps ensure all taxpayers receive the information they need in a language they understand. Whether you are a VITA/TCE volunteer, tax professional, or individual taxpayer, using this publication alongside Schedule LEP can significantly improve the tax filing experience.
Action steps:
- Download Publication 5878.
- Review Schedule LEP instructions in your preferred language.
- File Schedule LEP with your next tax return if you want communications in another language.
- Share this resource with friends, family, or clients who may benefit.
For personalized help, visit a VITA site, call the IRS multilingual hotline, or consult a qualified tax professional.
This article is for informational purposes only and is based on official IRS publications and resources as of early 2026. Always refer to IRS.gov for the latest forms and guidance.
Related searches: IRS Publication 5878 PDF, Schedule LEP instructions, IRS notices in Spanish, preferred language IRS, VITA language assistance, multilingual tax help.
By understanding and using these tools, taxpayers and volunteers contribute to a fairer, more accessible tax system for everyone.