Government: Tax Resources:
The Monroe County Library System continues to offer free Federal and State of Michigan tax forms and booklets at all branches. Most federal forms, instruction booklets, and publications are late, so please call your local branch to find out if the form you need has arrived.
Federal tax forms and instruction booklets have begun arriving at library branches, and are also available online. The ever-popular Publication 17 Your Federal Income Tax for Individuals will arrive at branches soon. It is available online at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p17.pdf. This 292-page booklet is broken down into specific chapters for easy access.
According to the IRS website, those claiming education credits will have to wait until mid-February to file, while taxpayers claiming depreciation deductions, energy credits, and many business credits will not be able to file until late February or early March. The IRS has provided a full list of affected forms.
Check out the IRS website for more information about enhanced products and services that will help in the preparation and filing of federal tax returns.
State of Michigan tax forms and instruction booklets are available at all library branches. State of Michigan forms are also available online.
Reproducible Federal and State of Michigan tax forms and instructions will also be available at most library branches. Patrons can photocopy up to 10 pages from the reproducible book free of charge.
All branches of the Monroe County Library System carry materials that can instruct patrons in income tax filing. Check out the Online Catalog and search for “income tax” to find locations and availability of these resources.
The filing deadline has been set for Monday, April 15, 2013.
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IRS Free File - Free File is the fast, easy, and free way to prepare and e-file your federal taxes online if your AGI is $57,000 or less. Free File Fillable Forms can be used by everyone regardless of AGI. These forms are online versions of the paper forms and are designed for people comfortable preparing their own federal tax returns. State returns cannot be filed here. E-file is available beginning January 30, 2013.
Michigan E-file 2012 – E-filing websites are available for taxpayers filing State of Michigan forms at E-file for FREE or E-file for a FEE. In most cases, adjusted gross incomes cannot exceed $57,000 to use the free option. According to the Michigan Treasury Department, e-filed returns are the safest, fastest, and easiest way to submit individual income taxes returns. Michigan E-file is available beginning January 30, 2013.
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Need Help?
Tax Tips with Carlotta Congioloso of H&R Block will be offered at the following
Monroe County Library System branches:
Feb 10, 2013 (Sunday) – Ellis Library & Reference Center - 1:00 p.m.
Feb 11, 2013 (Monday) – Ida Branch Library - 6:00 p. m.
Feb 12, 2013 (Tuesday) – Summerfield/Petersburg Branch Library – 6:00 p.m.
Feb 14, 2013 (Thursday) – Carleton Branch Library – 6:30 p.m.
Feb 25, 2013 (Monday) – Bedford Branch Library – 7:00 p.m.
Feb 26, 2013 (Tuesday) – South Rockwood Branch Library - 2:00 p.m.
The MCOP will once again be offering free tax preparation help to low income residents. This service is by appointment only between January 30 and April 15, 2013. Call 734-241-2775 to make an appointment.
The IRS sponsors a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) for free tax help to low- to moderate-income (generally $51,000 or less) filers who cannot prepare their own tax returns. To find a VITA site near you, call 1-800-906-9887.
AARP Tax-Aide is the nation's largest, free, volunteer-run tax counseling and preparation service. Click the link to find a location near you or call 888-227-7669.
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Do you need more information?
IRS Internal Revenue Service – Along with online access to instructions and fillable tax forms, the IRS provides links for checking on the status of a return, frequently asked questions, and tax help.
IRS2GO – A Smartphone app, available for both Apple and Android devices from their app stores, allows users to access refund status, tax updates, and access to video from the IRS YouTube channel.
Department of the United States Treasury – Find out what the Treasury Department does, including its current Economic and Tax Policy (located in the Resource Center tab).
Michigan Department of the Treasury – Along with online access to instructions and tax forms, Michigan’s Treasury Department offers access to current changes in the tax structure as well as an explanation of property taxes and a variety of useful links.
State of Michigan 2012 Pension Withholding Guide. Effective October 1, 2012, income tax withholding rates changed to 4.25% and the personal exemption amount changed to $3,950. Pension and/or retirement benefit withholding rates also changed to 4.25%. Recipients born prior to 1946 are not affected. Those born between 1946 and 1952, as well as those born after 1952, will be subject to new rates, so be sure to check the guide for the new withholding tables.
Federation of Tax Administrators – Offers direct links to state tax forms for all 50 states, including Ohio.
Michigan Tax Tribunal - Overseen by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), the Michigan Tax Tribunal is an administrative court that hears tax appeals for all Michigan taxes. While property tax appeals are normally heard by this court, they also hear business and individual tax disputes.
Michigan Home Heating Credit - The Home Heating Credit (HHC) is designed to assist low income families living in Michigan with the cost of heating their homes. The HHC is federally funded through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit - Michigan's Property Tax Credit is a way the State of Michigan helps you pay some of your property taxes if you are a qualified Michigan homeowner or renter. For 2012, the credit is based on a comparison between total household resources and property taxes. Review the website to see if new criteria (2012) will affect the outcome of your return.
