Don’t Dread Tax Season: Your Library Can Help!

Some people say their least favorite time of the year is the winter; others say it’s back-to-school season. But for most Americans, tax season takes the cake when it comes to being their least favorite part of the yearly calendar.

However, did you know that you can alleviate some of the tax season stress with a trip to your local library? Public libraries are a valuable but often overlooked resource for tax assistance during the season. 

We’ll cover some of the different types of help you can find at your neighborhood library so you can make the most of these wonderful resources as tax season rolls around each year.  

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Why Are Taxes So Daunting?

Tax is a tiny word, so why is it so daunting?

There are many sources of tax-induced anxiety, with a key source being the complexity of tax laws and forms. For those who aren’t lawyers or accountants, this is very unfamiliar territory and can be confusing at best.

Tax laws can be tough to understand, and the forms that come with these rules are equally as confusing. This creates significant fear around making mistakes and facing penalties for errors. When the rules aren’t clear, it is only natural to be afraid of accidentally filing your taxes incorrectly and thus facing the penalties that come with this. 

Some people hire lawyers or accountants to help them understand what they need to do come tax season. However, this can be costly, and sadly, many Americans cannot afford professional help, contributing to the stress and overwhelm associated with tax season. 

Libraries: Your Unexpected Tax Season Ally 

What if we told you the solution to your tax season problems is right under your nose (or at least in your city center)? Did you know that your local library is likely a wealth of knowledge that can support you during tax season? 

Libraries house a wide range of materials to assist you in tracking and filing your taxes. These include: 

• Free access to tax forms and instructions
• Computer and internet access for online filing
• Printing and copying services
• Information resources such as books, guides, and information sheets 
• Volunteer tax assistance sessions 

Libraries are designed to be community hubs for information and support, and we encourage you to make the most of these free resources each year. 

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What Types of Tax Assistance Might You Find at Your Library? 

If you’re not someone who regularly uses their public library or knows how to find tax resources, here are some examples of what libraries around the country offer:

New Brunswick Free Public Library (NJ)

The New Brunswick Free Public Library offers free income tax filing assistance annually during each tax season. If you’re a low- to middle-income individual (i.e., you earn less than $75,000 a year), you are eligible to attend their annual VTA program, which provides participants with free tax filing assistance during tax season. They offer this service in partnership with Beta Alpha Psi at the Rutgers Business School, so you know you’re in good hands!

Fairbury Public Library (NE)

At the Fairbury Public Library, you can find free access to federal tax forms. This is ideal if you’re on a lower income or a pensioner, as it significantly reduces your costs during tax season. However, these forms are available to all, provided that you access them at the right time. The forms are only available from January through April, so check their website during that time frame to download what you need. 

Chandler Public Library (AZ)

The Chandler Public Library provides a wealth of tax resources, including books on taxation, free in-person tax filing consultations, and sessions on preparing for tax season. The library also offers a specific program for low- to middle-income earners over fifty years old. Participants can receive free assistance filing their federal and state taxes, provided they meet the age and income criteria. Typically, the program requires you to earn $67,000 or less; however, the exact threshold changes yearly. 

Los Angeles Public Library (CA)

Alongside a wide range of free tax resources, such as forms, guides, and books, the Los Angeles Public Library has a fantastic program for senior citizens in the area looking for free assistance with their taxes. In conjunction with the AARP Foundation, the library runs a free advice program to help senior citizens file their taxes. The program facilitators specialize in pension and retirement-based issues, making this the perfect program to assist the older members of the Los Angeles community. 

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Why You Should Use Your Library’s Tax Resources 

Your local library might not seem like the obvious place to get help filing your taxes, but we can assure you there are several benefits that come with using this resource during tax season. Some of the main advantages of using library resources to help you file your taxes include: 

• Cost-Effectiveness. Most of the tax resources offered by libraries are completely free, which helps you keep your costs down. Instead of spending hundreds on professional advice, you can save your money and access that knowledge for free at your library. 
• Convenience. Libraries are designed to be conveniently located to best serve their residents. Having local access to help can be an absolute lifesaver during tax season, as you don’t have to search far and wide to find the resources you need. 
• Reliability. As they are places of research, libraries strive to offer only trusted and accurate information. Their goal is to empower their communities with knowledge, so you can be confident that you can rely on the tax resources provided to steer you on the right path during tax season. 
• Accessibility. Not everyone has access to a computer or the internet from home, which can make filing your taxes extremely difficult. Libraries supply on-site computers and fast internet access, removing the access barrier that many face during tax season. 

If tax season has you stressed out, don’t hesitate to visit or call your local library to inquire about the tax resources available. Be sure to pass along any information you find to your friends and family to ensure your community is making the most of this essential local resource. 

The key takeaway should be this: Libraries are there to help, so make the most of this wonderful resource and get in touch with your public library today. 

Visit www.everylibrary.org to learn more about our work on behalf of libraries. 

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