IRS Publication 5814 – IRS Forms, Instructions, Pubs 2026 – If you or a loved one has a print disability—such as vision impairment, blindness, or difficulty reading standard print—navigating IRS tax forms, instructions, publications, and notices can feel overwhelming. IRS Publication 5814, titled Alternative Media Center – IRS.gov/Accessibility/Making Accessibility a Reality, serves as the official guide to the IRS’s dedicated efforts to provide equal access to tax information.
Revised in November 2024 and still the current edition as of 2026, this short but essential publication explains exactly how the IRS Alternative Media Center (AMC) delivers hundreds of tax products in accessible formats like Braille, large print, audio, and electronic files compatible with screen readers. Whether you need downloadable Braille-ready files, large-print PDFs, or help converting a tax notice, Publication 5814 and the AMC make compliance easier.
In this SEO-optimized guide, we break down everything from IRS Publication 5814: what it covers, how to access free accessible downloads, how to request paper Braille or large-print copies, and step-by-step instructions for receiving IRS notices in your preferred format. All information comes directly from official IRS.gov sources, including the latest pages updated in January 2026.
What Is IRS Publication 5814?
Publication 5814 (Rev. 11-2024) is a free IRS document that introduces the Alternative Media Center and outlines accessibility services for taxpayers with print disabilities. Its full title—“Alternative Media Center – IRS.gov/Accessibility/Making Accessibility a Reality”—highlights the IRS’s commitment under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and WCAG guidelines.
You can download the official PDF directly here:
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5814.pdf
The publication also appears in its own accessible versions:
- Large-print ZIP: Available on the IRS large-print publications page
- Braille/text ZIP: Available on the IRS Braille publications page
It includes the IRS Mission statement and the AMC Vision: “Creating a culture that provides an inclusive environment through equal access to information.”
What Is the IRS Alternative Media Center (AMC)?
The Alternative Media Center, established to serve taxpayers with print disabilities, produces and distributes tax forms, instructions, publications, and notices in multiple accessible formats. The AMC:
- Operates a production facility for Braille and large-print materials
- Provides Braille transcription and customized accessibility solutions
- Maintains the Accessible IRS Tax Products page with hundreds of downloadable files
- Offers customer support through the dedicated Accessibility Helpline
The AMC works with disability organizations and welcomes feedback to improve services. Its products support assistive technologies including screen readers, refreshable Braille displays, screen magnifiers, and voice-recognition software.
Accessible Formats Available Through the IRS Alternative Media Center
According to Publication 5814 and the official AMC information page, the IRS offers these formats:
| Format | Best For | Languages | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text (.txt) | Screen readers, enlargers | English, Spanish | Opens in any text program |
| Braille-ready (.brf) | Refreshable Braille displays, embossing | English, Spanish | For embossing only |
| Browser-friendly HTML | Online reading, screen readers | English, Spanish | Section 508 compliant |
| Accessible PDF | Screen readers, most assistive tech | English, Spanish | WCAG & Section 508 compliant |
| Large Print (20-pt Arial) | Low vision, printable on letter paper | English, Spanish | ZIP files, some tabloid inserts |
| Audio / Electronic | Notices & letters only | English, Spanish | Via preference selection |
| ePub | Publications on e-readers | English, Spanish | Available for many pubs |
Important note: Not every product exists in every format, but most common forms and publications do. Tax forms are generally not offered in HTML.
How to Download Free Accessible Tax Forms and Publications?
- Visit the official Accessible IRS Tax Products page:
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/accessible-irs-tax-products - Choose your preferred format from the dedicated sub-pages:
- Large print publications → irs-tax-publications-in-large-print
- Braille & text publications → irs-tax-publications-in-braille-and-text-formats
- Section 508 PDF forms & publications (searchable)
- HTML instructions and publications (read online)
- Download ZIP files containing the exact format you need. Publication 5814 itself is available in large-print and Braille/text versions on these pages.
All files are free and updated for the current tax year.
Requesting Paper Copies in Braille or Large Print
Need physical copies mailed to you?
- Call the IRS tax form line: 800-829-FORM (800-829-3676)
- Request forms, instructions, or publications in Braille or large print
This service is available year-round and covers hundreds of products listed in Publication 5814.
How to Receive IRS Notices and Letters in Alternative Formats?
One of the most valuable features highlighted in Publication 5814 is the ability to get tax notices (including balance-due or penalty notices) in accessible formats instead of standard print.
Proactive options (set your preference once):
- Log into your IRS Individual Online Account and select your preferred format
- Complete Form 9000, Alternative Media Preference and attach it to your tax return or mail it separately
- Call 800-829-1040 to elect your format
If you already received a notice in standard print:
- Call the Accessibility Helpline at 833-690-0598
- Fax the notice + cover sheet to 855-473-2006
(Write “Alternative Media Format” at the top; include your name, address, daytime phone, and preferred format) - Mail the notice with a note stating your preferred format to:
Internal Revenue Service
Alternative Media Center
400 N. 8th St., Room G39
Richmond, VA 23219
Processing typically takes up to 15 business days.
IRS Accessibility Helpline: 833-690-0598
For any questions about alternative media formats, call the Accessibility Helpline at 833-690-0598. Trained staff can assist with:
- Format availability
- Downloading help
- Notice conversion requests
- General accessibility services
Multilingual support is available via Over-the-Phone Interpreter service. The helpline does not have access to your IRS account—use it only for accessibility questions.
Additional Resources for Taxpayers with Disabilities
- Information About the Alternative Media Center: irs.gov/forms-pubs/information-about-the-alternative-media-center (last updated January 2026)
- Accessible IRS Tax Products hub: irs.gov/forms-pubs/accessible-irs-tax-products
- Form 9000 (Alternative Media Preference): Searchable on IRS.gov
- Taxpayer Advocate Service (for qualifying hardship cases): 877-777-4778
- IRS videos in American Sign Language (ASL)
- Information for veterans with disabilities
Making Accessibility a Reality: Why IRS Publication 5814 Matters?
The IRS Alternative Media Center, as detailed in Publication 5814, removes barriers so every taxpayer—regardless of disability—can understand and meet their tax responsibilities. By offering hundreds of accessible formats and a dedicated helpline, the IRS continues to fulfill its mission of “top quality service… with integrity and fairness to all.”
Action Steps Today:
- Download Publication 5814 PDF or its accessible version
- Bookmark the Accessible IRS Tax Products page
- Set your notice preference in your IRS Online Account or call 833-690-0598
- Share this guide with anyone who may benefit
For the most current information, always visit IRS.gov directly. Accessibility is an ongoing commitment, and the IRS regularly adds new formats and improves existing ones.
Have questions? Call the Accessibility Helpline at 833-690-0598—help is available.
This article is based solely on official IRS sources including Publication 5814 (Rev. 11-2024), the Alternative Media Center information page (updated Jan 2026), and related IRS news releases and product pages.