January has arrived, bringing freezing temperatures, resolutions, and, whether we like it or not–tax season.

Fret not, the Library is here to help you!

The Peabody Institute Library has a helpful page chock-full of resources to assist you in making taxes as painless and safe as possible. Find out where to get local services, downloadable forms and instructions, free online filing, updates and more.

Forms

Every year, as online filings increase, the library receives fewer and fewer tax forms and instruction booklets from Massachusetts and the IRS. Unfortunately, this year will be no exception. Mass resident forms will be reduced by 10% and non-resident forms by about 40%, according to the Commonwealth Department of Revenue. We expect these by the last week of January.

IRS federal forms are expected to arrive mid-to-late January. This year, the library will have a limited supply of basic 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ forms and instructions.

But don’t worry! Even though supplies will be limited, the library staff will be here to offer you assistance in photocopying or printing necessary items online, as well as accessing important sites and reference guides to help you get started filing.

Tax Assistance

The Peabody South Branch was unfortunately unable to secure AARP volunteers for its free tax help this year, and will not be offering free filing assistance. The Peabody West Branch will offer appointments on a first-come, first-serve, limited basis. Call (978) 535-3354 or stop by the West Branch at 603 Lowell Street to find out more.

Several other area agencies, including the Torigian Senior Center, will be offering assistance too. Check out our resource page for more information.

Did you know the IRS works with efile.com to offer free tax assistance for your important questions? Call the hotline Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. during filing season: 1-800-829-1040

More info here.

And get help with Massachusetts State taxes, too, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at the Commonwealth Department of Revenue: (617) 887-6367 or (800) 392-6089 (toll-free in Massachusetts)

We’re here to get you through tax season, and while we can’t offer financial advice, the library is always happy to help you find resources that can get you from start to finish. Have questions? Give us a call!

Main Library: (978) 531-0100

West Branch: (978) 535-3354

South Branch: (978) 531-3380

And just a friendly reminder, Federal Tax Day this year is APRIL 17.  This is not a typo.  The regular tax return filing deadline is April 15. However, due to April 15 being on a Sunday and the Washington D.C. Emancipation Day holiday being observed on April 16 instead of April 15, 2018, Tax Day is on the following Tuesday.