We all knew it was coming and now it’s here: tax time. The clock is ticking down to the April 15th filing deadline. Are you ready? We’re not tax experts, and we can’t prepare your taxes for you, but we can help. Keep reading to find out how.

The IRS anticipates that most people will file their taxes electronically. This doesn’t mean you have to pay for software. The IRS has two free E-filing options.

1. Use IRS Free File if your adjusted gross income is $89,000 or less for the 2024 tax year. This option is guided tax software that walks you through your tax forms using a series of questions.
2. If you are comfortable preparing your own taxes and don’t need the guided software, you can use the IRS’s Free File Fillable Forms with any income level.

If you don’t want to file your taxes electronically, the library has a limited number of preprinted tax forms and instruction booklets on a first come, first served basis. If you cannot find the form you need, just ask a staff member. We will print it out for you, up to ten pages free of charge. Not sure what form you need? Use our computers to look it up on the IRS website.

We also coordinate with local AARP volunteers, letting them use our meeting rooms. These volunteers will help you prepare your taxes. If you would like filing help, here’s what you need to do:

• First, call the United Way at 330-297-4636 (or dial 211 on a landline).
• Next, ask to schedule an appointment with the AARP Tax Service.
• You will be given an appointment and further instructions.

Unfortunately, the state of Ohio is no longer sending tax forms to libraries. If you need forms or a copy of the Ohio instruction booklet, you can view, download or print them from the state of Ohio website. We do have a few copies of the Ohio Instruction booklet that you can check out and return as you would other library material. Ask for one at the checkout desk.

No one that we know actually enjoys tax time. It’s just one of life’s inevitabilities. Let the library help you make it a little simpler.