Free tax aid available at SM Public Library

AARP Volunteers are offering free Income Tax Assistance for the elderly and low-income at the San Marcos Public Library. Pictured (sitting) Jimmie Hilton, Helen Mott, Jeannie Lewis, Marcia Wrbas, Mary Salinas, and June Tidwell and (standing) Gloria Fortin, Ron Fortin, Judy Telford, Lee Bricker, Arlene Francis, Gerald Champagne, Debra Conwall, Sam Volpe, Dale, Marquis, Jay Albritton, Powell Hinson, John Ojeda, and Bob Knowles. (Photo by Robin D. Wood)

Need help getting those complicated tax forms filled out?  Confused about new tax laws? 
The American Association of Retired Persons and the San Marcos Public Library are again co-sponsoring a free income tax assistance program.
Volunteers from AARP are now on hand at the library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays and from 3 to 6 p.m. Mondays to help the low-income, handicapped, and elderly fill out their income tax returns. 
Powell Hinson and Dale Marquis are returning as coordinators of the program which will continue through Monday, April 15.
These volunteer tax counselors working with the tax aid program receive special training from the IRS and are qualified to work on the 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ forms as well as a number of specialized tax schedules.
Service is guaranteed to the first 50 to sign in by 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 5:30 p.m. on Mondays.
Taxpayers who utilize this free, walk-in tax assistance program should bring a photo ID, a social security card for all dependents, a copy of last year's income tax return, W-2 forms, self-employment earnings and expenses, disability statements, child care provider information, and any other tax-related documents.
E-filing of returns is also available. Those who wish to have their refund deposited directly into their checking or savings account will need to bring a personal check or a letter from their bank including the bank routing number and account number.
The San Marcos Public Library will also supply copies of standard tax forms and schedules as well as IRS publications and other books to help you during tax season.
Some forms and publications have been delayed but those items will be made available as soon as they arrive.
For those who would rather do their own tax returns, the IRS website has helpful information as well as all the forms and instructions needed for every situation. 
Log on to www.irs.gov/forms-&-pubs [1]. There are also links to file electronically on the IRS home page at www.irs.gov [2].
For further information, call the library at 393-8200 or drop by the library at 625 E. Hopkins and inquire at the Information Desk.