Galesburg Public Library: Tax Assistance

Tax Help

Monmouth College student volunteers trained by the IRS will provide free tax assistance and prepare simple tax returns for individuals with income below $40,000. Volunteers will be on site at the Galesburg Public Library from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on the following Saturdays: February 6 and 20, March 20, and April 10. Tax services are available on a first come, first served basis. Last customer is served at 3:30 pm. For questions regarding this service, you may call Monmouth College Professor Peterson at 309-457-2365.

In order to receive income tax assistance, bring the following:

Social security or tax identification cards for each person on the return (includes taxpayer, spouse and all dependents.) THIS IS REQUIRED! Alternatives include: letter from the Social Security Administration indicating the numbers; if you e-filed with us last year, your last year’s return; if you haven’t filed before and are not eligible for a social security number, they will help you apply for a tax ID number.
All documentation on income such as W-2s and 1099s.
Last year’s returns. This is necessary if the taxpayer itemized last year and now has a state refund to be added back to income.
Voided check if the taxpayer wishes direct deposit of the refund. If the direct deposit is to a savings account, a document that indicates the number. The account must be in the taxpayer’s name.
All information related to deductions such as medical, real estate taxes, mortgage interest and charitable expenditures if the taxpayer wishes to itemize.
Social security number or tax identification number of all daycare providers if the dependent care credit is desired.
Tax-free childcare benefits provided through an employer.
Divorced couples: If the non-custodial parent is taking the dependent exemption, form 8332 signed by the custodial parent or copy of applicable page of divorce agreement (these must be filed with the return, whether e-filed or not).
Information on contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).
For stock transactions, purchase date and cost basis as well as sale date and sale price (note that volunteers will not prepare a complex Schedule D).

Both spouses must be present if they are going to e-file a joint return.

Also:

Know if you are being claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.
Know who is claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITA) for a child if parents are not filing jointly.
Volunteers will not prepare or e-file Schedule E, a complex Schedule D, Form 8606, Form 8615 or multiple states.

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Galesburg Public Library, 40 East Simmons Street, Galesburg, IL 61401; Telephone(309)343-6118.
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Updated January 8, 2010.