IRS Publication 5633 – IRS Forms, Instructions, Pubs 2026 – In today’s diverse society, accessing tax services in one’s native language is crucial for compliance and understanding. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recognizes this need through its Over-the-Phone Interpreter (OPI) services, particularly for programs like Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). IRS Publication 5633, titled “Over-The-Phone Interpreter (OPI) Languages Represented,” outlines the languages available for these interpreter services. This article explores the publication’s details, the importance of OPI services, how they work, and the complete list of supported languages as of the latest revision in September 2025.
What is IRS Publication 5633?
IRS Publication 5633 serves as a reference guide listing the languages supported by the OPI service within the IRS’s Stakeholder Partnerships, Education, and Communication (SPEC) division. Revised in September 2025, this one-page document is designed for volunteers, site coordinators, and taxpayers who require language assistance during tax preparation or related inquiries. It’s particularly relevant for limited English proficient (LEP) individuals, ensuring equitable access to free tax help. The publication aligns with broader IRS efforts to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which mandates meaningful access for LEP persons.
Unlike general IRS phone support, which offers assistance in over 350 languages, Publication 5633 focuses on the SPEC OPI program used in VITA/TCE sites. This targeted service helps with tax return preparation, outreach, education, and other SPEC activities.
Why OPI Services Matter for Taxpayers?
For non-English speakers, navigating U.S. tax laws can be daunting. OPI services bridge this gap by providing real-time interpretation, reducing errors in tax filings and improving compliance. According to IRS guidelines, these services are free and available 24/7, making them essential for underserved communities, including immigrants, refugees, and elderly taxpayers. By offering support in multiple languages, the IRS promotes inclusivity and helps prevent issues like identity theft or refund delays.
How Does the IRS Over-the-Phone Interpreter (OPI) Service Work??
The SPEC OPI service is straightforward and integrated into VITA/TCE operations. Here’s a step-by-step overview based on official IRS training materials:
- Initiate Contact: A volunteer or site coordinator calls the taxpayer or meets them in person.
- Connect to OPI: With the taxpayer on the line, dial the toll-free OPI number (877-384-4474) using a three-way conference call setup.
- Enter PIN: Input the site’s unique Personal Identification Number (PIN), followed by #.
- Select Language: Use quick-dial options (e.g., 1 for Spanish, 3 for Mandarin) or press 0 to specify the language.
- Begin Session: The interpreter joins, introduces themselves, and facilitates the conversation.
- End the Call: Hang up when done; billing stops immediately.
Key requirements include a valid Site Identification Number (SIDN) and OPI PIN, obtained after completing annual training on Link & Learn Taxes (LLT). Sites must submit weekly usage logs, even if no calls were made, to maintain compliance. Best practices emphasize speaking slowly, minimizing background noise, and focusing the conversation on the taxpayer.
For general IRS inquiries outside VITA/TCE, OPI is available through main helplines, funded by individual business divisions, and follows similar connection procedures.
Complete List of OPI Languages in IRS Publication 5633
Publication 5633 lists over 80 languages and dialects supported by the SPEC OPI service. These are tailored to common needs in tax assistance programs. Below is the full, alphabetized list from the latest revision:
- Albanian
- Amharic
- Arabic
- Aramaic
- Armenian
- Armenian, Western
- Assyrian
- Azerbaijani
- Bengali
- Bravanese
- Burmese
- Cambodian/Khmer
- Cantonese
- Cebuano
- Chaldean
- Creole
- Darsi/Farsi
- Farsi – Afghani – Dari
- French
- French Canadian
- Fukienese
- Georgian
- German
- Gujarati
- Hakka (Chinese)
- Haryanvi
- Hebrew
- Hindi
- Hunan
- Indonesian
- Iranian Farsi/Persian
- Italian
- Japanese
- Karen Segaw
- Khmer/Cambodian
- Kinyarwanda
- Kirundi
- Korean
- Kurdish
- Lebanese Arabic
- Lingala
- Lusoga
- Mandarin
- Marshallese
- Maymay
- Mixtec
- Moldovan
- Mongolian
- Nepali
- North African Arabic
- Pashto
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Punjabi
- Quechua
- Quichua, Canar Highland
- Quichua, Chimborazo Highland
- Quichua, Salasaca Highland
- Romanian
- Russian
- Shanghai
- Sinhalese
- Somali
- Sorani
- Spanish
- Swahili
- Szechuan
- Tagalog
- Taiwanese
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Thai
- Tigrinya
- Tosk Albanian
- Turkish
- Twi
- Ukrainian
- Urdu
- Uzbek
- Vietnamese
- Visayan
- Wolof
- Yiddish
This list ensures broad coverage for diverse populations. Note that some languages, like variations of Farsi or Quichua, account for regional dialects.
Accessing OPI Services and Additional Resources
To use OPI, contact a VITA/TCE site via the IRS locator tool or call the general IRS helpline at 800-829-1040. For volunteers, training is mandatory, and resources like Publication 5883 (SPEC OPI Training) and Publication 5547 (OPI Job Aid) provide further guidance.
If you’re a taxpayer needing help, visit IRS.gov for multilingual resources or download Publication 5633 directly from the official site.
Conclusion
IRS Publication 5633 plays a vital role in making tax services accessible to non-English speakers through OPI. By understanding the available languages and how the service operates, taxpayers and volunteers can ensure smooth, accurate interactions. Stay updated by checking IRS.gov for any revisions, as language support evolves to meet community needs.
For more information on IRS OPI languages or tax assistance, consult official IRS publications or contact your local tax office.