IRS Form 15601 – Struggling with tax access in rural America? The IRS created Form 15601 to bridge the gap. This official document outlines the Rural Partner Action Day Initiative (often called RPAD), a targeted program that brings free tax help, account assistance, and community resources directly to underserved rural and low-to-moderate income areas.
If you’re a community leader, nonprofit, local government, faith-based organization, or stakeholder looking to host tax events, this guide explains everything in IRS Form 15601—from its purpose to how to get involved. Download the latest PDF directly from the IRS here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f15601.pdf (Rev. October 2023, Catalog Number 94385E).
What Is IRS Form 15601?
Form 15601 is not a traditional tax return or claim form that individuals file with their 1040. Instead, it functions as an informational and promotional brochure published by the IRS Wage & Investment division’s Stakeholder Partnerships, Education & Communication (SPEC) office.
Released in October 2023 and posted to IRS.gov on January 22, 2024, the two-page document explains the Rural Partner Action Day Initiative and invites organizations to partner with the IRS for local taxpayer assistance events. It highlights how SPEC leverages existing Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) networks to deliver services where they’re needed most—rural and underserved communities with limited access to IRS offices, reliable internet, or phone support.
Purpose of the Rural Partner Action Day Initiative
Many rural taxpayers face barriers: distant Taxpayer Assistance Centers, transportation challenges, and confusion about resolving issues like payment plans, debt disputes, or identity verification. The RPAD Initiative addresses this by organizing consolidated, in-person resource events that combine IRS services with local support.
Key goals include:
- Reducing taxpayer burden through accessible, one-stop assistance
- Building lasting community partnerships beyond single-day events
- Expanding free tax preparation and education for low-to-moderate income families, seniors, people with disabilities, Native Americans, and limited-English-proficiency taxpayers
The initiative builds on VITA/TCE programs (which served millions during recent filing seasons) while adding flexible “pop-up” or supplemented events at familiar community venues.
Who Should Participate? Target Audiences for RPAD Events
Form 15601 targets organizations that serve rural or underserved populations, such as:
- Community colleges, libraries, and community action programs
- Health clinics, job fairs, back-to-school programs, and resource fairs
- Faith-based groups, tribal organizations, and senior centers
- Local governments and nonprofits focused on financial literacy or broadband access
Individuals don’t “file” Form 15601. Instead, community partners use the information to connect with their local Stakeholder Tax Consultant and request or co-host an event.
How Rural Partner Action Day Events Work?
Events are highly customizable and can be:
- Standalone — A dedicated Rural Partner Action Day in your community.
- Supplemented — IRS services added to your existing event (e.g., tax help at a health fair or job fair).
Typical services offered (at minimum):
- Free tax preparation through a partnered VITA/TCE site
- Help setting up online installment agreements
- Assistance creating or accessing an IRS online account (ID.me)
- Referrals to the Taxpayer Advocate Service and other resources
Events often include additional partners such as:
- Legal aid
- Broadband providers
- Financial institutions
- Local social service agencies
Past locations include community colleges, libraries, gymnasiums, event halls, and commercial buildings—any accessible local venue works.
Benefits of Becoming a VITA/TCE Partner or Hosting an RPAD Event
Form 15601 emphasizes long-term impact over temporary help. Benefits include:
For communities:
- Consolidated access to multiple IRS divisions in one convenient location
- Reduced travel and wait times for taxpayers
- Integration of tax help with broader resources (education credits, dependent care, withholding questions, etc.)
For partner organizations:
- Free tax preparation support from certified VITA/TCE volunteers
- Marketing and outreach collaboration with the IRS
- Lasting infrastructure: seasonal or year-round tax sites instead of one-off events
For taxpayers:
- In-person help in areas with poor phone/internet service
- Solutions for common issues like payment plans, record access, and hardship cases
Step-by-Step: How to Get Involved?
- Review Form 15601 — Download and share the PDF with your team.
- Contact your Stakeholder Tax Consultant — This is the key step. Reach out via your local IRS SPEC office (find contacts through IRS.gov partner resources or by calling 1-800-TAX-1040 and asking for SPEC).
- Discuss options — Decide between establishing a full VITA/TCE partnership or adding assistance to an existing event.
- Plan the event — The consultant coordinates IRS staff, VITA/TCE partners, and external resources tailored to your community’s needs.
- Promote & host — Use IRS-provided materials and your local networks.
The document also recommends related publications:
- Publication 4225 — Impact Lives by Building Strong Communities
- Publication 3676-A — IRS Certified Volunteers Providing Free Tax Preparation
Real-World Examples and Ongoing Impact
The RPAD pilot launched around 2023 and expanded in 2024–2025. Examples include events in rural California (e.g., Pixley) and collaborations with VITA sites serving Native American and low-income rural populations. These efforts align with broader IRS goals to improve service in areas highlighted in TIGTA reports on outreach to underserved communities.
During the 2025 filing season, VITA/TCE partners continued supporting thousands of rural sites, with RPAD events providing additional touchpoints.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About IRS Form 15601
Is Form 15601 required to file taxes?
No. It is purely informational for organizations interested in partnerships.
Who can request a Rural Partner Action Day?
Any organization serving rural or underserved taxpayers. Contact your Stakeholder Tax Consultant to start.
Are the events free?
Yes—free tax preparation and most assistance for qualifying taxpayers.
How do I find my local Stakeholder Tax Consultant?
Visit IRS.gov, search for “VITA partners” or “SPEC,” or call the IRS and ask to be connected with your regional SPEC representative.
Can events include non-tax services?
Absolutely. Many incorporate broadband sign-ups, financial counseling, legal aid, and more.
Conclusion: Take Action for Your Rural Community Today
The Rural Partner Action Day Initiative detailed in IRS Form 15601 represents a practical, community-driven approach to better tax service. Whether you want a one-day resource fair or a permanent free tax prep site, partnering with SPEC can make a lasting difference for the taxpayers you serve.
Next step: Download IRS Form 15601 PDF right now and reach out to your Stakeholder Tax Consultant. Building stronger communities through accessible tax help starts with one conversation.
Official Resources:
- Form 15601 PDF: irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f15601.pdf
- VITA/TCE Partner Information: IRS.gov/vita
- SPEC Overview: IRS.gov (search “Stakeholder Partnerships”)
Stay informed—check IRS.gov regularly for updates on RPAD events in your area. Questions? Comment below or contact your local IRS partner representative.
This article is based exclusively on the official IRS Form 15601 (Rev. 10-2023) and related IRS publications and reports as of February 2026.