Email Your Guide

Like all the Guides at About.com, I'm a real person and you can email me at usgovinfo.guide@about.com. But before you do, here are some things that may answer your question or help me respond to your needs.

AOL Email Users: If you want a response to your letter, DO NOT set your AOL mail to not accept mail from me. Also, web site links like, "http://usgovinfo.about.com" will not work in AOL email. You will have to copy/paste the links into your web browser. It's been this way for years and looks like it'll never change.

Government Forms

I will try to find forms for you, but please be aware of these conditions:

1. I have time to look for US Federal Government forms only. I cannot search for state or local government forms or forms issued by private industry. For State Tax forms, see my State Government Index
2. I already have links to lots of Federal forms. See Forms: By Agency and Forms: Most Requested
3. To find a form, I need as much of the following information as you can provide:
   A. The form's official title
   B. The form's number like, 1040A, HCFA-1500, etc.
   C. The Federal Agency that issues the form
4. Most Federal forms are NOT yet available online.
5. I cannot email forms larger than 500k in file size. Instead, I will send you a link from which you can download them.
6. A forms search can take a while.
7. I cannot guarantee the currency or accuracy of forms I send you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General

Q. Can you mail that to me at my home address?

A. Sorry, I cannot send materials to you via regular mail. It's simply too time consuming and Guides are not reimbursed for postage. All responses must be via email.

Q. Why did it take you so long to answer my email?

A. I typically respond to ALL messages within 24 hours. However, I do take an occasional day off and technical problems do arise.

Tax Returns - Copies of

Q. How can I get copies of my old IRS tax returns or forms?

A. Click Here for instructions and the IRS form you'll need.

Q. Can I order or download copies of somebody else's tax returns?

A. No.

Homework Help

Q. I have a homework assignment about... Will you help?

A. Sure, but I can only offer very short answers and links to related web sites. I simply don't have time to do extensive research and reporting.

Q. I need information on the history of...

A. See US History on About. While I've accumulated lots of it, history is not my strong area.

Employment/Jobs

Q. Should I email you my resume?

A. No. You should send your resume directly to the agency posting the job according to their instructions. The Federal and State job opening links and resources on this site are provided for informational purposes only.

Q. Can you help me find a job in...?

A. Sorry, but no. Once again, the primary function of U.S. Government Info/Resources is information and education. Providing job opening links is just a part of that function.

President's Cabinet Agencies

Q. I need information about the President's "Cabinet," where do I look?

A. Take a look at my President's Cabinet page and my NetLinks Agencies page.

Q. How are the heads of Cabinet departments chosen and how long can they serve?

A. They are nominated by the President and must be approved by the Senate. They serve until they quit or are replaced by the President.

Presidential Succession

Q. Who becomes President if...?

A. See my Presidential Succession Feature or the President's Cabinet page where the agencies are listed in order of Presidential Succession.

Immigration/Passport/Visa

Answers to most, if not all questions on immigration and citizenship can be found on the About Immigration Issues Web site.

Q. How do I apply for US citizenship?

A. First, check the Requirements page at the Immigration & Naturalization Service web site. Then look at the How Do I Apply page for complete details. 

Q. I filed my N-400 Application for Naturalization months ago, when will I hear from the INS?

A. It can take a long time. Some readers have reported waiting 6-months. My advice is to contact the INS Service Center where you applied. You can find the office on this map from the INS.

Q. I have a question about passports, visas or work permits.

A. US Passports and visas are handled by the State Department, who's web site supplies answers to almost any question you might have. Here's where to look: Passports | Visas | Employment/Visas | General Information