Free Virtual Tax Prep Through Norwalk Libraries Jan. 25-April 15

Press release from Norwalk Public Library:

Jan. 13, 2021

The Norwalk Public Library System is pleased to announce that the full-service VITA/IRS Volunteer Tax Assistance Program, providing free state and federal income tax preparation and e-filing, with special attention to seniors and low to moderate income households, will be offered again. This year, there will be no on-site tax preparation because of Covid restrictions. Instead, there will be two options for accessing this service, one all virtual and the other a limited in-person appointment for scanning documents, for those without computer capabilities.

“The Norwalk Public Library System is pleased to welcome back the same IRS-certified volunteers, who have been serving the Norwalk area for years, and will be available to prepare taxpayer returns this year, from their homes, continuing this valuable service to the Norwalk community,” said Sherelle Harris, Interim Library Director.

This year’s tax preparation program goes from Monday, January 25 - Thursday, April 15, 2021.

VIRTUAL METHOD
The preferred all-virtual method allows clients to upload information and documents via a secure Internet site into the “Get Your Refund” system, from the convenience and safety of home. Taxes will then be prepared, and the preparer will contact the client by phone or email with any questions or request for additional information, if needed. To pre-register for your spot in the all-virtual method, go to: https://form.jotform.com/Pgentile46336/norwalk-library.

IN-PERSON SCANNING METHOD
There will be limited appointments available at the Main library and South Norwalk branch for anyone unable to submit their information virtually. Clients will be helped with scanning their information and documents, which will then be used to prepare tax returns by VITA preparers, working remotely. Arrangements will be made to deliver the completed tax return to the client at a later date.

In-Person Scanning Service Schedule

Norwalk Public Library (Main) - call for appointments (203) 899-2780 x15106
Thursdays 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m.

South Norwalk Branch - call for appointment (203) 899-2790 x15902
Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

INFORMATION & DOCUMENTS NECESSARY for TAX PREPARATION
Identity Documentation

• Government Issued Photo ID.
• Social Security or ITIN numbers for all taxpayers and dependents.
• Bank account/routing numbers (blank check preferable), if expecting a refund.

All 2020 income report forms received:

• SSA1099 if you were paid Social Security benefits.
• W-2(s) from your employer(s).
• W-2G from gambling winnings.
• 1099G from unemployment compensation payments.
• 1099s: Bank interest, stock dividends, retirement distributions, broker statements.

Other Important Documents

• Receipts for deductible expenses including real estate and vehicle taxes paid.
• Verification of the original purchase price of sold assets (home, stocks, etc.).
• Receipts/canceled checks if itemizing deductions (e.g., charity contributions).
• Form 1095-A if health insurance was from the Access Health Connecticut Marketplace.
• For Reference - Copy of last year’s (TY 2019) Return

Across the nation, during the last full tax season, 65,000 IRS-certified volunteers provided this service at more than 9,000 sites. Some three and a half million taxpayer returns were prepared and filed via this service throughout the country. In Connecticut 52,000 federal returns were processed, in addition to an equal number of state returns and many amended filings from prior years. Over 1,700 of these were filed at area libraries and at Norwalk City Hall, with $2 million in federal refunds being returned, 53% of which were from tax credits such as for earned income and education.

For further information, or for a list of other locations for free tax preparation and filing, please call Norwalk PL’s Information Desk at (203) 899-2780 ext. 15109, or visit our website, www.norwalkpl.org.

This press release was produced by Norwalk Public Library. The views expressed here are the author's own.