Where are my tax forms?

As librarian Jessamyn West reminds us, tax time is coming around again and this raises that perennial question: where are my tax forms? The IRS no longer sends out forms routinely, not to individual taxpayers or to the library or to the Post Office. With about 70% of Americans now filing electronically, it’s understandable that spending money on paper and printing and shipping is less justifiable.

But what if you’re one of the folks who still wants or needs to file on paper? Federal tax forms and instructions are all still available from the IRS website to print out and use. These include a number of specialty forms and services for those with accessibility needs, including Braille forms and publications, large print publications and instructions, and Talking Tax forms. For those with hearing disabilities, the IRS offers TTY assistance at 800-829-4059. And help for those who are unable to complete their returns because of disabilities may find help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) sponsored by the IRS, which has a number of sites throughout Alaska, including on the Kenai Peninsula.

And while we’re on the topic of filing, the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend filing period ends March 31. While the state is encouraging online filing and does not offer a downloadable version of the full application booklet or form, paper copies are still available at the City Office in Seldovia or at other locations you can search for from the PFD website. Other specialty forms are available for download from the site, as are the Absence Guidelines and the 1099 statements needed for federal tax filing.

Having trouble finding what you need? Not sure how to download and print out your forms? Don’t have a computer or printer? We can help you at the library.

Our public use computers are free for anyone to use (you don’t have to have a library account) and printing costs only $.10 a page. We also have a photocopier to help with your record-keeping. If you’re not comfortable using a computer and would like individualized help finding and printing tax or PFD forms, stop by on a Wednesday, when we’re open from 12-2, or call us then at 234-7662 to set up an appointment.

Your library is there for you, to help you get access to the services you need.