Spotlight on: Income Tax Preparation Assistance from AARP

Did you know that income tax assistance is available here at the Takoma Park Neighborhood Library for individuals with incomes of less than $35,000 annually, and families with incomes of less than $42,000 annually? AARP Tax-Aide, the nation’s largest free, volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service, offers free assistance with filing federal and state returns here at our branch on Tuesday afternoons between February 8 and April 12, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Please note that assistance is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and that you will need to provide a valid ID and proof of social security number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) for each individual to be claimed on your tax return.   

You should also bring:

• Last year’s tax return, if you have it
• Bank account and routing numbers if you want to receive your refund more quickly
• Income information, including the following:  social security statement; W-2 or 1099 for each job unless paid in cash; pension or annuity statement; statements showing the amount of unemployment, bank interest or any other income received; and any other tax papers you received including any notices from the IRS or state tax agency

Want to learn more about taxes and tax preparation?  Check out the following books, available at your favorite DC Public Library branch!

For adults:

• How to Pay Zero Taxes 2011 : Your Guide to Every Tax Break the IRS Allows! by Jeff A. Schnepper
• J. K. Lasser’s Small Business Taxes 2011 : Your Complete Guide to a Better Bottom Line by Barbara Weltman

…and for the wee ones:

Taxes, Taxes! : Where the Money Goes by Nancy Loewen