(STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA / January 24, 2023) – As soon as the holiday season comes to an end, the library gears up for the beginning of tax season. By mid-January, reference librarians are inundated with two questions (1) Does the library have tax forms? And (2) when can I sign up for AARP’s free tax help? I’m here to give some updates and answer our most frequently asked questions.

AARP-Tax Aides will provide free tax preparation help by appointment only, just like in the last two years. There are a limited number of appointments available, so if you can get your taxes prepared by alternate methods, please consider doing so to help ensure there are enough appointments for those in our community who need them the most. You can also find updates about all things tax-related on the library’s tax page at library.stillwater.org/taxes.php. 

When can I sign up for an appointment?

Appointments are open and you can sign up now! They tend to fill up quickly, so I recommend scheduling one soon; otherwise, they may be full.

How do I schedule an appointment?

There are three ways to schedule an appointment: (1) Visit library.stillwater.org/taxes.php and sign-up online (2) Visit the library in person during regular hours or (3) Call the Help Desk at (405) 372-3633 x8106. 

Note: No matter how you sign up, you must come by the library to pick up an intake packet and complete it BEFORE your scheduled appointment time. The packet will list all additional documentation you need to bring with you.

What days and times are appointments available?

Intake appointments (when you’ll come with your prepared intake packet and meet with an AARP Tax-Aide) will be on Mondays. Appointments usually last around 20 minutes. The first appointment of the day is at 9:20 a.m., and the last one is at 12:40 p.m. You will need to be available to pick up your completed taxes on Friday at the same time you had your intake appointment. For example, if your intake appointment is Monday at 9:40 a.m., your pick-up appointment will be Friday at 9:40 a.m.

Note: The library is closed on Monday, Feb. 20, for President’s Day, and there won’t be any tax help appointments that week.

When will tax help end?

AARP aligns their free tax help with IRS tax deadlines. The last appointments for free tax help will be Monday, April 10.

If I’m unable to get an appointment this year, what will I do?

There are several free file options available. One option is using the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) through OnLine Taxes (OLT). There are no age restrictions, and free eFile options are available for federal and state tax returns. Anyone using the service can also send questions about returns via email to a certified tax coach.  

Additional free file options for taxpayers are available using IRS Free File online. Various partners have different restrictions. Review each partner’s rules and select the best option for your situation at www.IRS.gov. The AARP also offers online guided assistance. Visit taxaide.aarpfoundation.org for more details and to put in a request for help.

Does the library still have paper forms?

Yes, federal forms usually arrive at the very end of January or early February. But, there are very few forms sent out to institutions like libraries in bulk. We have already received 1040 forms in English but are still waiting for 1040 instruction booklets and Spanish 1040 forms and instruction booklets.

Oklahoma does not send any paper forms. So all state tax forms and all other federal forms must be accessed online or requested for mailing. 

How can I access other forms?

Request hard copies of Oklahoma tax forms by calling 1-800-522-8165 or visiting oklahoma.gov/tax/forms.html to access them online. For federal forms, call 1-800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676) or go to www.irs.gov/forms-instructions. Librarians can print forms and instructions for 10 cents per page. (Except employment-related forms such as W-2, 1099 MISC, or 1096 as the versions available online are not eligible for mail-in.)