Tax preparation help available at the library

The library is pleased to announce that tax preparation assistance will be available again this year at the library.

Volunteers from the AARP Tax-Aide program will be in the McAmis Community Room (main level) at the library from 12:30-3:30 p.m. on Thursdays, beginning on Thursday, February 3, through April 14. They will assist taxpayers by filling out and filing simple tax returns. They will be filing both federal and state forms, including the Missouri PTC forms.

As last year, income tax documents will be collected in your first visit and your completed tax return given to you, at an appointed time, during a second visit either one or two weeks after your first visit.

NOTE:  No tax documents will be accepted after Thursday March 31 to enable completion by tax filing date.

For those only needing Property Tax Credit or Rent Credit claim, this year you will only need to make one visit and your claim form will be prepared while you wait.

If you come later in the afternoon, your wait will probably be shorter.

All tax filing will be done on a first-come, first-served basis; appointments will not be taken. Please be sure to bring all tax-related paperwork that you have received, including W-2 and 1099 forms for work performed, receipts for rent paid, and proof of Social Security income.

For everyone’s comfort and safety, we will NOT be allowing lines to form inside the library lobby prior to 12:30 p.m. In the past, this has created a barrier to library users trying to access library services; today, it is not a smart practice given the spread of COVID.

The library is not trained to give tax advice; instead, we rely on this great group of volunteers who have the training and experience to make sure that your tax filing is done correctly and thoroughly.