The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is partnering with AARP Foundation to offer free tax preparation and assistance to the public. The service is available at select ACPL branches from January 29 through April 16, 2024. Anyone can use this service, but it is especially focused on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income.
How to Make an Appointment
To take advantage of this free service, taxpayers need to make an appointment and pick up an intake booklet at any ACPL branch. The intake booklet contains information and documents that are required for the tax preparation. Appointments can be made by calling or visiting any ACPL branch beginning January 8, 2024.
What to Bring to the Appointment
Taxpayers should bring the following items to their appointment:
- Previous two year’s tax returns
- All correspondence received from the IRS and the state/local taxing authority
- Social Security cards and/or ITIN notices/cards or other official documentation that show the taxpayer identification numbers for every individual on the return
- Government-issued photo ID for each taxpayer
- Checking or savings account information if they want to direct deposit any refund or direct debit any amount due
- Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) for each individual if applicable
Where and When to Get the Service
The service is offered at several ACPL branches on different days and times. Here is the schedule for the 2024 tax season:
- Dupont Library: Tuesdays, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Hessen Cassel Library: Tuesdays, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Little Turtle Library: Mondays, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Main Library: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturdays, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- New Haven Library: Fridays, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Shawnee Library: Mondays, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- St Joseph Township Community Hall: Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Tecumseh Library: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Who Provides the Service
The service is provided by AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers, who are trained and IRS-certified in U.S. tax code. They can help with various tax situations, including tax provisions of the Affordable Care Act, Child Tax Credit, Credit for Other Dependents, and Earned Income Credit. The volunteers are not affiliated with the IRS or any other government agency.
Why Use the Service
The service is free, convenient, and confidential. It can help taxpayers save money, avoid errors, and get their refunds faster. It can also help taxpayers claim all the credits and deductions they are eligible for. The service is part of AARP Foundation’s mission to empower low-income older adults and fight poverty among seniors.
