It is a given that dealing with the government means dealing with paperwork. Whether you want to apply for a building permit or apply for food stamps there will always be forms that need to be filled out, signed, witnessed, stamped, and put into the system. Aside from income taxes every year, the average person does not deal with the government on a regular basis so knowing which government forms are needed can be a problem. Many people may not know how to get the paperwork required or how to submit it properly.
Start With the Agency
The first thing you would want to determine is the agency that you'll have to work with. The government has a large number of different agencies that you may need to sift through. First, determine what type of services and information you need and then start with an online search that will help you narrow down your prospects. For example, if you're hoping to open a business, you might want to start with the local Chamber of Commerce and ask them to direct you to the appropriate government agency. You won't be able to get the right government forms until you have located the right office.
Visit Them Online
It is probably best that you make your first contact with the agency online. It is a simple process and for most people they can get their questions answered in a timely fashion just by viewing the information on the website. Visit their Frequently Asked Questions pages before you try to contact them directly. Their website should be able to give you the addresses, phone numbers, and any other contact information you may need for your next step. Quite often, if there is paperwork to be filled out, you print out the required government forms right from your home or office computer. This will save you a lot of time and expense as your requests will be submitted much faster and you can get your needs met in a timelier manner.
Submission
You should be able to submit your forms in much the same way as you received them. However, there are some government forms that cannot be submitted online. For these, check for pilot offices that may be able to meet your specific and unique needs. But the vast majority of forms can be filled out, filed, and submitted all on secure websites that have been encrypted to avoid possible hacking and stealing of your personal information.
Dealing with the government has always been about paperwork and forms. It is a natural part of life. However, in today's world of modern technology, the process has been greatly simplified. You no longer have to travel to a remote office or wait for the postal service to deliver the information you've requested causing delays in getting your needs met. Today, you can simply go online to find the government forms you need, fill them out online, and submit them all at one time. If you need to interact with the government in any form or fashion, you'll find that regardless of the agency, working directly with the government will be of benefit to everyone concerned.