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Tax Season @ your library
Megan McFarlane | February 22, 2011
In tough economic times, libraries help people save money in a variety of ways. This year, many libraries across the country are doing just that by working to provide library users not only with the tools to file their taxes, but resources and experts that can help them get the most out of their refund.
While the due date for filing taxes has been extended to April 18, a few libraries are getting a jump start on tax season.
Every Wednesday through April 13, the Zion-Benton Public Library of Zion, Illinois, and AARP’s Tax Aide program allows residents to meet with an AARP volunteer as part of its “Tax Time @ your library” program. AARP volunteers assist residents in filing federal and state taxes and are on hand to answer tax-related questions. In addition, the library connects area seniors and residents with disabilities in with state grants that help reduce the impact of taxes and medical expenses.
“Tax information @ your library,” is a free, web-based tax resource center through the Pioneer Library System of Norman, Oklahoma. Its website offers a comprehensive guide to libraries and other local organizations that are working with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) and AARP Tax Aide to provide residents with free access to experts.
The San Antonio Public Library is once again assisting its patrons on a variety of levels with its “Taxes @ your library” website. The library provides access to downloadable forms, along with lists of books to help library users file personal and small business taxes. The library is also participating in the VITA program and will host tax preparation sessions at several branches libraries through April 18.
The Albany County (Wyo.) Public Library offers “Get your taxes filed free by trained tax preparer$ @ your library.” Area residents with a total income of $55,000 or less can consult with trained tax professionals at the main library and select branch locations.
Megan McFarlane is Campaign Coordinator for the Campaign for America’s Libraries with the American Library Association Public Information Office.
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