February 13th, 2012
Library offering free tax assistance

STAFF REPORT

The San Marcos Public Library is offering free income tax preparation assistance until April 16.

The program is sponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons and the library.

Volunteers from AARP will be on hand at the library on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Mondays from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to help the low-income, handicapped, and elderly residents complete their income tax return paperwork.

The library’s volunteer tax counselors receive training from the IRS and are qualified to work on the 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ forms as well as a number of specialized tax schedules, according to library spokesperson Robin D. Wood. Wood said the volunteers guarantee assistance to the first 50 people who sign up each day.

Taxpayers who utilize the library’s free, walk-in tax assistance program should bring a photo ID, a social security card for all depoendents, a copy of last year’s income tax return, W-2 forms, self-employment earnings and expenses, disability statements, child care provider information, and any other tax-related documents. E-filing of returns is also available. Those who wish to have their refund deposited directly into their checking or savings account will need to bring a check or a letter from their bank including the bank routing number and account number.

The library also has copies of standard tax forms and schedules as well as IRS publications and other books helpful during tax season. Some forms and publications have been delayed but those items will be made available as soon as they arrive, according to library staff.

For those who would rather do their own tax returns, the IRS website has information and forms and instructions here. There are also links to file electronically on the IRS home page.

The deadline to file income tax returns is April 17. The traditional April 15 deadline falls on a Sunday and April 16 is a holiday in Washington D.C.

For further information, call the library at (512) 393-8200 or inquire in-person at the library’s information desk. The library is at 625 East Hopkins Street.