Tax Season Opens Monday, January 23, 2017

The filing deadline is Tuesday, April 18, 2017.

Taxpayers requesting an extension will have until Monday, October 16, 2017

According to the IRS website, the 2016 tax season filing deadline is pushed forward this year because:

  1. April 15, 2017 falls on a Saturday, which would normally push the date to file to the Monday following the 15th.
  2. Monday, April 17, 2017 falls on Emancipation Day, which is a D.C. holiday. By law, D.C. holidays impact tax deadlines for everyone the same way as a federal holiday.

The IRS will provide the following printed 2015 tax form/instruction products to libraries throughout the county.

  • Form 1040
  • Instruction booklet for 1040
  • Form 1040 A
  • Instruction booklet for 1040 A
  • Form 1040 EZ
  • Instruction booklet for 1040 EZ

Since the IRS is not printing any other forms or instructions, they are providing a Reproducible Booklet to libraries this year. In addition, all forms, instructions, and publications are available online at www.irs.gov

Taxpayers can call 800-829-3676 or go online at IRS.gov/orderforms to request forms/instructions to be delivered to their homes by mail.

Patrons of the Monroe County Library System may print up to 15 tax-related pages free from the Reproducible Booklet or from the IRS or State of Michigan websites. Those doing so are invited to see a staff member to override the print station.

The Bedford Branch Library (734-847-6747) and the Ellis Library and Reference Center (734-241-5277) continue to carry a limited number of the following multi-part, machine-readable forms. Please call your branch to check availability, as these forms are heavily requested

  • W2 – Wage and Tax Statement
  • W3 – Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements  
  • 1096 – Annual Summary and Transmittal of U.S. Information Returns
  • 1098 – Mortgage Interest Statement
  • 1099 DIV – Dividends and Distributions
  • 1099 INT – Interest Income
  • 1099 MISC – Miscellaneous Income

The IRS is no longer supplying more than one print copy per library branch of the popular Publication 17 Your Federal Income Tax for Individuals. The publication is available online at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p17.pdf. This 293-page booklet is broken down into specific chapters for easy access. The IRS is also offering videos to help taxpayers file their 2014 taxes.

Federal tax forms and instructions  are available at all library branches. They are also available online. 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 usually arrive at library branches in early February. Please contact your local branch to find out if forms and booklets have arrived. State of Michigan forms are also available online.

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.

__________________________________________________________________

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 below $64,00. 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.

Michigan E-file 2014 – E-filing websites are available for taxpayers filing State of Michigan forms at E-file for FREE or E-file for a FEE. Be sure to check the adjusted gross incomes that are allowed for each product when using 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 23, 2017.

___________________________________________________________________

Need Help?

Tax Tips with Carlotta Congioloso of H&R Block will be offered at the following
Monroe County Library System branches:

Jan 18, 2017 (Wednesday) – Ellis Library and Reference Center – 6:00 p.m.

Jan 25, 2017 (Wednesday) – Ida Branch Library – 11:00 a.m.

Jan 30, 2017 (Monday) – Erie Branch Library – 6:00 p.m.

Feb 28, 2017 (Tuesday) – Dorsch Memorial Branch Library – 6:00 p.m.

The MCOP will once again be offering free tax preparation help to low income residents. This service is by appointment only. Call 734-241-2775 to make an appointment.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), sponsored by the IRS, offers free tax help for low- to moderate-income (generally $54,000 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 888-687-2277.

___________________________________________________________________

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.

Federation of Tax Administrators – Offers direct links to state tax forms for all 50 states, including[MV1]  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.

IRS Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts – The IRS website offers advice and tips for consumers regarding tax scams. Included is a section on recent tax scams, and what to do to avoid becoming a victim.


 [MV1]I updated this on the website 12/17/15