SM Library: Free Tax Assistance

Free Tax Assistance

Need help getting those complicated tax forms filled out?  Confused about new tax laws? The American Association of Retired Persons and the San Marcos Public Library are again co-sponsoring a free income tax assistance program. Volunteers from AARP will be on hand at the library beginning February 2nd from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Mondays from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. to help the low-income, handicapped, and elderly fill out their income tax returns. 

Powell Hinson and Dale Marquis are returning as coordinators of the program which will continue through Monday, April 13th. These dedicated volunteer tax counselors working with the tax aid program receive special training from the IRS and are qualified to work on the 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ forms as well as a number of specialized tax schedules. Service is guaranteed to the first fifty to sign in by 12:30 on Saturdays and 5:30 on Mondays.

Taxpayers who utilize this free, walk-in tax assistance program must bring a photo ID, W-2 forms, child care provider information,1099 forms, and all other tax-related information. Health insurance coverage information for each month of 2014, Form 1095-A (if purchased through the Marketplace), or proof of any health care exemptions received through the Marketplace for every member of the household. All tax returns will be e-filed.

E-filing of returns is also available. Those who wish to have their refund deposited directly into their checking or savings account will need to bring a personal check or a letter from their bank including the bank routing number and account number.

The San Marcos Public Library will also supply copies of the 1040 tax forms and will help with accessing the IRS website for other forms and instructions. For those who would rather do their own tax returns, the IRS website has helpful information as well as all the forms and instructions needed for every situation. Log on to www.irs.gov/forms-&-pubs. There are also links to file electronically on the IRS home page at www.irs.gov.

For further information, call the library at 512.393.8200 or drop by 625 E. Hopkins and inquire at the Information Desk.

Photo by Robin D. Wood: AARP Volunteers offer free Income Tax Assistance for the elderly, handicapped, and low-income at the San Marcos Public Library. Hours of assistance are on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Mondays from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. from February 2 until April 13. Pictured are (front row) Doris Kuester, Powell Hinson, Gerald Champagne, Sam Volpe, Helen Mott, (middle row) John Ojeda, Teresa Gonzalez, Lee Bricker, Larry Gonzalez, Betty Champagne, Jose Silguero, Harriet Hanson, Marcia Wrbas, Robyn Glaze, June Tidwell, Augustine Agwuele, (back row) Dale Marquis, Billy Stokes, Ron Fortin, Gloria Fortin, Marty Kuester, and Dale Fannon.