Tax Assistance at the Library

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Tax season is almost here.  Are you ready?  The library is ready - and here to help.

From the IRS:

New this tax year is The Taxpayer First Act of 2019 which was signed into law on July 1, 2019. This law aims to broadly redesign the Internal Revenue Service. The legislation aims to expand and strengthen taxpayer rights and to reform the IRS into a more taxpayer friendly agency by requiring it to develop a comprehensive customer service strategy, modernize its technology and enhance its cyber security.

As part of the Taxpayer First Act, the IRS website has established the  Interactive Tax Assistant.  This is a tool that provides answers to a number of tax law questions.  You can view topics by category or search the system to find answers to your tax filing questions. Also available is the new IRS mobile app.  With this tool you can check your refund status, make a payment and get free tax help from your mobile device.  The IRS also has a presence on social media. You can find them on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest news and information.

Taxpayers can visit IRS.Gov/GetReady for more tips on preparing to file their 2019 tax return.

The IRS strongly encourages people to file their tax returns electronically for faster refunds.  You may want to try the IRS program Free File, a fast, safe, and free way to do your federal tax return online.  

If you do decide to mail in a paper tax form, Where to file will let Florida residents know where to send your return depending on which tax form you are submitting.  

The filing deadline to submit 2019 tax returns is Wednesday, April 15, 2020.   If you find you are not able to meet this deadline, you will need to submit a Form 4868 Application for Automatic Extension to file.

How the library can help:

The library will have forms and instruction booklets available for pick up.  If you need a special form, library staff can print a form for you or you may download it yourself here.

If you require assistance with filing your 2019 income tax return, certified volunteers from the AARP Foundation and United Way VITA  will be at the library to give you a hand.  Several branch libraries and other community locations will host free tax assistance through these two organizations. Participants will need to have a valid ID, Social Security Card, and any tax forms necessary to complete their return. Service includes one tax-return per one hour appointment. Walk-in services will be provided on a first come, first serve basis.  

The tax assistance schedule is below:

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AARP Foundation Tax-Aide - January 27 - April 15, 2020

To set an appointment for AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, visit http://taxaidegnv.wordpress.com after January 15 or visit the site in person ONLY during Tax-Aide hours.

Headquarters Branch          Mondays & Tuesdays 10 a.m. -2 p.m. (appointments preferred*)

Tower Road Branch            Tuesdays & Thursdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (appointments only)

Millhopper Branch              Mondays & Thursdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (appointments only)

Alachua County Senior Center (5701 NW 34th Blvd) Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (appointments only)

Library Partnership Branch   Wednesdays 11a.m. - 3 p.m. (appointments preferred*)

Saturdays, Walk-ins only:

Millhopper Branch – 2/1, 2/29, 4/4: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Headquarters Branch – 2/8, 3/14:   10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Tower Road Branch - 2/15, 3/28: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Newberry Branch – 2/22, 3/21: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Hawthorne Branch – 3/7: 12:00 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Library Partnership Branch – 4/11: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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United Way VITA Tax Preparation:

Alachua Branch - Saturdays (Jan. 25 - April 11) 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Archer Branch - Tuesdays (Feb 4, Mar 3, Mar 31) 

Cone Park Branch - Fridays (Jan. 24 - April 10) 1 - 4:30 p.m. (except Mar 20)

Library Partnership Branch - Mondays (Jan. 27 - April 6) 1 - 5 p.m. (except Feb 17)

                                                  Thursdays (Jan. 30 - April 9) 3 - 6 p.m.

                                                  Saturdays (Jan. 25 - April 11) 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (except Feb 1)

Micanopy Branch - 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Feb (11, 25) and March (10, 24), April 7 1:30-4 p.m.

 

Vita Tax Preparation is by appointment only. To make an appointment, call 2-1-1 or 352-332-4636 beginning mid January.

Copies of the tax assistance schedule can be picked up at your local branch library.

By Blogger on June 2, 2021