Traditional paper tax forms and instruction booklets are getting harder to find every tax season. The Humboldt County Library has been the best local source of a wide variety of free tax forms for many years. Since most taxpayers now file tax returns online, 95 percent as of last tax season, the IRS has cut the variety of forms it sends to outlets like the library and post office. Not to worry! The Humboldt County Library remains a great resource for tax forms and tax help.
Many people in Humboldt still prefer to file on paper. If that's you, or if you can't easily e-file and don't want to spend your hard-earned money on a tax professional, you may be able to find what you need at the library.
FREE TAX PREPARATION
If you like the speed and efficiency of e-filing, but can't file online yourself, consider making an appointment for free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). Eureka and McKinleyville libraries host the VITA program, offering most taxpayers with incomes under $53,000 free tax preparation and e-filing. Call the Switchboard at 211 Humboldt to make your appointment at a library or at any VITA location throughout our region. Just dial 2-1-1 anywhere in Humboldt County. This popular program was used by approximately 580,000 Californians last year. Trained volunteers use IRS and California Franchise Tax Board software to e-file your return, and get tax breaks if you qualify.
TAX FORMS AT THE LIBRARY
This year, the library expects to receive the following tax forms, beginning in February:
* Form 1040 and 1040 Instruction Booklet
* Form 1040 A, and 1040-A Instruction Booklet
* Form 1040 EZ, and 1040 EZ Instruction Booklet
* California Form 540 and Booklet, including the new California Earned Income Credit
* California Form 540-2EZ and all forms included in the 540-2EZ Booklet
Tax forms are expected to begin arriving in early February, and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
ADDITIONAL TAX FORMS
Many taxpayers can benefit from tax credits and tax deductions, or are required to add worksheets and supporting forms to their basic tax return. These people will be looking for the additional forms they need. Many will be available in a book of reproducible forms provided for use in the library's photocopiers. Or, use the library's public computers to print forms from the Internet. Don't want to pay for prints? You can still order free forms and publications in paper from the IRS. Call 1-800-829-3676. Allow 10 business days for the order to arrive.