Due to IRS changes, taxpayers have had to work a bit harder to get access to forms the last couple of years, and the changes keep coming. Last year, the IRS quit mailing federal forms to taxpayers. This year, the agency made a last minute decision not to provide most tax forms and instructions to public libraries. The Stillwater Public Library is offering solutions for community members who need to get their taxes done.
“We just learned last week about the IRS decision,” said Lynda Reynolds, library director. “Though we have been expecting a decision like this, we share in our library users’ frustration that there was so little notice. Hopefully, we will be able to help.”
According to Reynolds, the IRS will still be providing Forms 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ. However, no other forms will be provided and no instructions of any kind will be delivered.
“Losing the instruction booklets was probably the most disheartening news,” said Reynolds. “Understandably, the IRS wants to cut printing costs, but unfortunately our community still has a high number of people who are not trained to use the internet.”
The library will have pre-printed copies of the larger instructions that people can borrow for use inside the library.
For those planning to file their taxes online, the library is opening its lab for quiet, uninterrupted use of its computers.
The lab will be monitored but no tax assistance will be available. Computers may be used only for tax preparation, and printing will be available for .10 per page. Reservations are required and can be made at the Help Desk at (405) 372-3633 x8106.
Taxpayers may visit www.irs.gov and read the “freefile” link to determine if they qualify for any of the sixteen companies offering free federal online tax preparation and e-filing.
For those who need help with taxes, AARP tax aides will be on-hand to help people prepare and electronically file their returns at the Senior Center and the Stillwater Public Library beginning Feb. 2. Volunteers will be available Monday-Thursday from 9:30 a.m.-noon at the Senior Center and Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-4 p.m. at the Stillwater Public Library. The last day of tax assistance will be April 15.
Taxpayers should bring the following documents with them for AARP Tax Aide help:
Social Security Cards for the taxpayer, spouse, and dependents.
Photo identification such as a driver’s license.
A copy of your TY 2014 Federal and State income tax returns.
All forms indicating federal income tax paid
All 1099 forms of any kind (1099-MISC, INT, DIV, B, R)
All wage and earning statements (Forms W-2, W-2G)
Unemployment compensation statements
Bank Routing Numbers and Account Numbers for Direct Deposit.
Total amount paid for Day Care and Provider’s identifying number and statement.
All receipts and canceled checks if itemizing deductions“We file your taxes online and this service is completely free,” said Saundra Mace, AARP Tax Aide volunteer. “We provide help on a first come, first served basis, so no appointment is necessary.”
The taxpayer must be present at the Tax-Aide site to receive assistance. If filing “Married Filing Jointly,” then both spouses are required to sign the tax returns before filing.
For more information, about the AARP Tax-Aide service, contact the Senior Center at (405) 372-8070 or the Stillwater Public Library at (405) 372-3633 or by e-mail at askalibrarian@stillwater.org.
The Senior Center is located at 1015 E. 12th Ave., and the Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 South Duck (12th and Duck).
