Sigh, it’s that time of year again. Not just time for frigid weather but also time to get ready for filing your income taxes. Last week, the IRS announced that Monday, January 29^th officially opens this year’s tax season. Not as much fun as some announcements, but it is important for most of us. If you prepare your own income taxes, the library has long been one of the places that helps you find what you need. Here’s how we can help you get through this year:

Paper Forms

They haven’t arrived yet, but we will soon have some federal tax forms and booklets available to you, free of charge. As the IRS strives to reduce paper consumption and waste, we receive less and less preprinted forms. But the good news? If you need a tax form, we can find and print it for you, up to 10 pages free of charge. Just ask.

The state of Ohio no longer sends printed forms to libraries. If you need Ohio tax forms, you may view, download, and fill in forms at the Ohio Department of Taxation’s website. We will have a few circulating copies of the Ohio Individual Tax Instruction booklet available to check out and return as you would any other book.

Electronic Filing

If you don’t want to mess with filling out paper forms, the IRS has two electronic filing options:

IRS Free File is an online, guided tax preparation software. Free File is available only at IRS.gov, and is available to any taxpayer or family with an adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less in 2023. The IRS also has Free File Fillable forms, which is the un-guided option, available at no cost to any income level. Both of these e-filing options will be available beginning January 29th.

Local taxes

Need to file Ravenna city taxes? The Regional Income Tax Agency, also known as R.I.T.A., serves as the agent for administering and collecting income tax for the City of Ravenna. RITA provides an easy-to-use electronic filing and payment system that is fast, simple, and secure. Visit the RITA website or call 1-800-860-7482 for information.

I Need Help!

The AARP Tax-Aides will be using Reed Memorial Library for tax appointments throughout the coming months but you must call them first to get the process started. Call the United Way at 330-297-4636 (or dial 211 on a landline). Ask to schedule an appointment with the AARP Tax Service. You will be given an appointment and further instructions. 

Use our Computers

If you decide to file electronically, you’re welcome to use our computers (also free). We recommend that you use one of our computers in the lab. It’s a bit more private and definitely quieter, so you can concentrate. Ask at our 2nd floor desk and tell them you’re filing your taxes.

For most of us, tax season isn’t fun but the library can help make it a bit simpler. All of the tax help we offer is listed on our website, with helpful links. Keep an eye out for the tax forms and information table coming soon on the library’s first floor. And remember, if you stop in for forms and don’t see what you need, ask a staff member. We’ll be glad to help.