Library Hosts Free Tax Preparation Program

The free tax preparation program is back for its tenth season. The program starts Feb. 4 with its last session on April 15. All sessions are held at the Albany County Public Library, 310 S. Eighth St.

The Albany County Earned Income Credit Tax Campaign assists Albany County residents in filing taxes at no cost to the filer. Participants must have a household income of $60,000 or less to be eligible for the program. Trained tax preparers will assist participants with state or federal filings. Your returns are private and confidential. Most participants are able to e-file for a quick refund.

Those interested should bring W-2 forms, social security numbers/dates of birth for all household members, other relevant tax forms including 1099s and 1098s and, if possible, a copy of your 2013 tax return. The program is first come, first served.

This year’s schedule:

Mondays (4 p.m. to 8 p.m.)

February 9, February 23, March 2 and April 6

Wednesdays (4 p.m. to 8 p.m.)

February 4, February 11, February 18, February 25, March 4, March 11, March 25, April 1, April 8 and April 15

Saturdays (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.)

February 7, February 21, February 28, March 28, April 4 and April 11

The program works to inform the general public about the Earned Income Tax Credit and to provide free income tax preparation assistance to low-to-moderate income taxpayers. In 2014, 697 households had their tax returns filed by trained tax prepares during the program. Over $921,000 in refunds was obtained for participants, and over $75,000 was saved by program participants in tax preparation fees.

Questions can be addressed to Paul Heimer at the United Way of Albany County at 307-745-8643 or pheimer@unitedwayalbanycounty.org.

The program is sponsored by the Albany County Public Library Foundation, the United Way of Albany County, the Albany County Public Library, the Albany County Government, First Interstate Bank, UW College of Business, UW College of Law, City of Laramie and the IRS.

For more information, contact Caitlin White at 307-721-2580 x5456 or cwhite@albanycountylibrary.org.