The end of January approaches, W-2s have started arriving in the mail, and updated versions of tax forms and instructions are complete, which means there are no more excuses...it is time to start thinking about filing your taxes!

This year the Marin County Free Library branches have made some changes to how they are providing assistance with taxes.  We are no longer carrying boxes of printed tax forms and instructions in our lobbies and buildings.  Instead, we are offering on-demand, free printing of federal and state tax forms and instructions in all of our branches from our library catalog computers.  Library staff members at our branches are available to help you get started printing the forms you need for free from any library catalog computer.

Why the change to on-demand printing?

• Online filing of tax returns has greatly increased, and forms are readily available online, or can be ordered via the telephone
• Less waste and reduced use of paper with on-demand printing and electronic filing
• Better use of limited space in the library
• Increased efficiency--library staff workload for ordering, stocking & storing forms and instructions is reduced

For more information on tax forms in the library, please refer to our Tax Information Subject Guide.  Helpful links are also listed below.

Where to Find Federal IRS Tax Products and Information

• Online, to view, download & print:
  • www.irs.gov/Forms-&-Pubs
• By phone, to have forms and publications mailed directly to your home and for all other tax help, call:
  • 1-800-829-3676
  • Hearing impaired TTY/TDD 1-800-829-4059

Where to Find State of California Tax Products and Information

• Online, to view, download & print:
  • www.ftb.ca,gov/forms
• By phone, to have forms and publications mailed directly to your home, call:
  • 1-800-338-0505
  • Hearing impaired TTY/TDD 1-800-822-6268

Need Out of State Tax Forms?

The Federation of Tax Administrators site has links to state tax agencies across the United States.

AARP Tax-Aide Services

For those of you needing a little bit of help filing your taxes, AARP Tax Aides are available free for all low and middle income taxpayers, with special attention to seniors.  Your tax return will be electronically filed at no cost.  Visit their website at www.aarp.org/taxaide.  Or, email them with questions:  marintaxaide@gmail.com.

Volunteer tax counselors are available to help taxpayers from February 1 until April 15 on a walk-in basis only at the locations listed below.  Please come prepared with all pertinent documents.

What to bring to the AARP Tax Aide Service?

• A copy of your last year's Tax Return
• Picture ID, Social Security Cards or ITINs for self, spouse, & dependents
• Social Security numbers for child care providers and alimony recipients
• Any and all W-2 forms
• All Form 1099s, e.g. pensions, Social Security, interest, dividents, stock/bond sales, IRA distributions, unemployment, state tax refund, etc.
• All form 1098s, e.g. Mortgage Interest, Tuition, etc.
• Checkbook or bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit
• Tax-exempt interest or divident statements
• Cost basis of stock, bond, and other investments that you sold during the year
• To itemize, bring your list of paid property taxes, medical bills, charitable contributions and mortgage interest