February at the Knox County Public Library

As Knox County residents eagerly anticipate the sun to shine, temperatures to rise, and the snow to melt, tax season has begun. Did you know that every Saturday in February from 10-12:30 volunteers from the United Way provide free tax preparation for seniors (typically 60+) and individuals with low-to-moderate incomes through the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program and AARP Tax-Aide? These volunteers are IRS-certified and assist with filing, focusing on maximizing credits for seniors on fixed incomes.

Next year, if you are 60+ or of low-to-moderate income, check with the Knox County Public Library the last week in January to see if the library has received the United Way tax packets. If they have, stop in the library during regular library hours to pick up a packet. Only one packet per person may be picked up at any one time. Please fill out as much of the packet as you can and bring it back to the library on any Saturday (only) in February from 10-12:30 (only) to meet with a volunteer. On the Saturday that you bring in your packet to speak with a VITA volunteer, the patron is signed up and called forward as volunteers become available to assist. Packets cannot be dropped off. 10 o’clock is often the busiest time for volunteers so you may want to opt to come at 11am. after the initial 10 o’clock rush. Please be sure to either bring a copy, or make a copy, of the documents that are requested in the packet’s instructions.

Knox County Public Library began partnering with United Way and VITA in 2021 and so far this year, volunteers have helped 266 residents of Knox County, Indiana file their taxes.

Please thank our United Way volunteers and this free service!

For those who don’t qualify for VITA (Volunteer Income tax Assistance) – those who are below 60 years old or do not have low or moderate income – the library has paper copies of the tax booklets and forms (1040 and 1040-SR; IT-40) provided by the IRS while supplies last. Tax documents may also be found on-line at IRS.gov/forms. Additionally, the library also carries IL-1040 instructions and forms for those across the Wabash in Illinois. All tax forms at the Knox County Public Library are provided free of charge.

Another free tax service in our community is Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). This service provides preparation and tax filing at no charge to elderly and disabled individuals. All volunteer tax preparers are certified to prepare and file tax returns. For more information about TCE, phone 812-888-5880.