Where can I get tax forms at the BPL?
How else can I get tax forms?
Where can I get help with my taxes?

Where can I get tax forms at the BPL?

Note:

For taxpayers who can file their individual income tax returns beginning January 30, all forms and instructions  have been posted to IRS.gov (click on the Current Forms & Pubs tab to download or print forms). Due to recent changes in the tax law,  delivery of many forms has been delayed,  although most of the basic forms are now available.  1040 instruction booklets have arrived, finally.

Most libraries have received very limited quantities of the Massachusetts tax forms. Supplies have been depleted at most library locations and we are awaiting word from the state on whether or when they will resupply. See below for more info.

Forms can be picked up at these locations:

• Central Library
  • Social Sciences Department (617.859.2261) on the second floor of the McKim Building (Dartmouth Street entrance) – Massachusetts state forms, many Federal forms; master copies of some forms available for photocopying (15 cents/page)
  • Johnson Building lobby – Forms 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, and Massachusetts state forms only
• All BPL branches will eventually have 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, and Massachusetts state forms; some branches will have additional Federal forms. Call first to make sure they still have the form you need.

 

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How else can I get tax forms?

Federal Forms

• Online – Download the form you need or order online to have forms mailed to you
• By Phone – Call the IRS at 1-800-829-3676
• In Person – At the JFK Federal Building, West side of City Hall Plaza
  617-316-2850
  Green Line: Government Center
  Orange Line: Haymarket

Massachusetts State Forms

The State of Massachusetts urges all taxpayers to file their state income tax returns online. Fewer paper forms will be printed and distributed this year.  Supplies of state tax forms at libraries are very limited if not totally depleted.

Advantages of online filing are:

• Calculations are done for you–no math errors
• No chance you’ll forget to attached required schedules
• You’ll receive confirmation that your return was received by DOR
• Faster refunds–even faster with direct deposit
• Environmentally friendly
• File now, pay later–up to April 16, 2013
• It’s secure

• Use DOR’s WebFile–FREE and available 24/7. You can also find a paid professional tax preparer, or buy DOR-approved tax prep software and file on your own.

Find these links and more information about e-file methods at http://www.mass.gov/dor/filingzone

You may also print forms from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue

By Phone – Call the MA Dept of Revenue at 1-800-392-6089

In person–MA Department of Revenue service counter
Hurley Building, 19 Staniford Street
Green Line: Government Center
Orange Line: Haymarket

Other States
Use the Federation of Tax Administrators website to find links to tax forms for any US state.

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Where can I get help with my taxes?

Volunteers at the Boston Public Library

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). Free tax help for taxpayers who worked and earned less than $50,000 in 2012.

Brighton Branch, 40 Academy Hill Road, Brighton. Call 617.783.6032 for more information.

South End Branch, 685 Tremont Street, Boston
Free income tax preparation by appointment only. Call 617-536-8241 for an appointment.

 

Federal tax help:

• Phone numbers for tax help at IRS.gov
• Information about the VITA and TCE tax preparation assistance programs. VITA is for those who make $50,000 or less; TCE is coordinated by the AARP for anyone age 60 or older.
• To find other free tax help near you,  use this link.

Massachusetts tax help:

• MA Department of Revenue: 617-887-MDOR(6367) or toll-free in Massachusetts at 800-392-6089
• The Massachusetts Legal Assistance Websites Project lists locations and contact information for free tax assistance services in the state.
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax assistance at Bunker Hill Community College in Charlestown. For more information, visit http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/vita.
• Community Tax Aid of Boston also offers free tax assistance to Boston residents.
• The City of Boston will offer tax help at several locations to persons eligible for the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit).
  Note:Even if you do not qualify for the EITC, if you worked and earned less than $49,000, you can still go to one of the City of Boston’s EITC free tax preparation locations.Are you eligible for the EITC? You may be eligible if you are….
  • Single
    • with 3 or more children and earn $$45,060 or less
    • with 2 or more children and earn $41,952 or less
    • with 1 child and earn $$36,920 or less
    • with no children and earn earn $13,980 or less (and you are at least 25 but less than 65 years old) Married
  • Married
    • with 3 or more children and earn $50,270 or less
    • with 2 or more children and earn $47,162 or less
    • with 1 child and earn $42,130 or less
    • with no children and earn $19,190 or less (and you are at least 25 but less than 65 years old)