43
Mahoning County libraries offer free tax preparation service
By TIM CLEVELAND
For more than a quarter century, the Public Libraries of Youngstown and Mahoning County have been offering free tax preparation services for seniors and people of any age with low to moderate income.
“The library has offered a site for free tax preparation for over 25 years, but in recent years, that program has expanded,” library communications and public relations director Janet Loew said. “The Library is now working in conjunction with the Mahoning County Financial Stability Partnership, which includes many area community organizations. The AARP provides IRS-trained volunteers to work with individuals to prepare their taxes.”
The program began in early February and goes almost to April 14 when taxes are due. To qualify, the earnings limits are $46,997 [$52,427 married filing jointly] with three or more qualifying children, $43,756 [$49,186 married filing jointly] with two qualifying children, $38,511 [$43,941 married filing jointly] with one qualifying child, and $14,590 [$20,020 married filing jointly] with no qualifying children. Anyone can find out if they qualify by going to www.irs.gov/eitc or by calling 1-800-TAX-1040.
There are more than 60 tax professionals who volunteer their time for the organization. In 2014, 3,315 families took advantage of the service, with more than $3 million remaining in Mahoning County because of the service.
To schedule an appointment to have your taxes prepared through the service, or to see the dates and times each library is conducting the preparations, call your closest Mahoning County library branch. Canfield residents can call and schedule their appointment through the Boardman branch.
You will be required to bring a photo ID, Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter for you, your spouse and dependents, proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN, birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return, wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc from all employers, interest and dividend statements from banks [Forms 1099], a copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available, proof of bank account routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit, such as a blank check, total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider’s tax identifying number [the provider’s Social Security Number or the provider’s business Employer Identification Number] if appropriate. To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.
“The library believes that offering a place for people to take advantage of this opportunity to have their taxes prepared at no cost would be a wonderful way to help the community,” Loew said. “Libraries today are so much more than ever before. We aren’t just a place that holds books. Our programs and services have expanded to meet the needs of a growing and changing society. We are especially happy to participate in this tax preparation program, which helps the people who are being served to save money.
“Participants save in two ways: in tax preparation fees and in tax savings because of the assistance of trained volunteers who are knowledgeable in tax law. This, in turn, has a benefit for the community: money that comes back to taxpayers is money that is often spent in our community, thereby boosting the local economy.”
Business librarian of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Stuart Gibbs said area residents can save plenty of money by taking advantage of the program.
“People are saved the expense of paying someone to do their taxes and get the benefit of a volunteer who has taken the necessary IRS certification training,” he said. “Money returns and is spend locally in our community. An added benefit is that the money normally spent on doing your taxes, $200 [average cost estimate by the IRS], is also saved. This means 3,315 families were saved a total of $663,000 in fees alone.”