Written by Joe Armstrong, Content Specialist, Marketing, Downtown Main Library

Filing tax forms can be tricky, and even more so if you’ve had major changes in your life such as a new job or new home. This year, let the experts help you. The Library is partnering with United Way and AARP to offer free tax assistance to low- to moderate-income families at multiple CHPL locations.

Find an updated list of library locations with free tax help on our website. 

One-on-One Assistance

Get personalized attention with same-day, drop-off tax assistance available by appointment at the Groesbeck, North Central, and Reading branch libraries and the Downtown Main Library. Drop-off, remote assistance is also available at the Harrison Branch Library. 

The Reading Branch Library recently held their first day of tax assistance services. United Way volunteers from GE Aviation assisted dozens of community members with preparing their taxes.

Sandra visited the Library after receiving tax assistance from the program last year. “It’s been a good process,” Sandra says, “It’s free and convenient for me to get taxes for me and my sons done in a safe way. I plan on coming again next year!”

Another community member, James, enjoys the service for its convenience, “All I have to do is call ahead for an appointment, they told me what to bring, and then they do the rest,” James says.

Tony Cooperrider has been volunteering with United Way to provide tax assistance alongside his GE Aviation colleagues for years. “I appreciate giving back to the community,” says Tony, “and seeing the sense of joy when we assist taxpayers and provide this community service for free.”  

The process is fast and easy for community members. After a brief one-on-one conversation with Tony about their individual tax situation, a community member will have their taxes prepared in about 45 minutes. “It’s great to host this service at the Library so while they’re waiting, community members can take advantage of the library’s resources.”

And there’s plenty for customers to explore while they wait, according to Sally Pope-Smyth, Library Customer Advisor at the Reading Branch Library. “While customers are having their taxes prepared, they can explore our collection, sign up for the Winter Checkout Challenge to receive their free tote bag, and more,” says Sally. “We host events for all ages, opens a new window, have a MakerSpace, opens a new window where customers can bring their creations to life, and so much more to discover.” 

Make an appointment by calling the Library at 513-369-6900, visiting www.UWGC-FreeTaxPrep.as.me/AARP, opens a new window, or calling United Way at 211.

No Appointment, No Problem

Work on your taxes on your schedule. Walk-in assistance and tax prep coaching are available from February through April at the Madisonville, Price Hill, and Westwood branches. For dates and times, visit the United Way's website, opens a new window. Click the yellow "view locations" button halfway down the page.

Prepare for Your Easiest Tax Filing Yet

When you have all of the tax forms you need in one place, filing can be a breeze. Find information on what to bring with you to your appointment on United Way's website, opens a new window. For a full list of what documents to bring and what type of returns United Way’s Free Tax Prep initiative sites can prepare, visit the Internal Revenue Service's website, opens a new window.

To make it even easier, free printing, opens a new window — up to 20 pages per day — is available at all library locations, even if you don’t have a library card. Print your federal, state, or local tax forms with plenty of time to spare.

Find a complete list of library locations offering free tax prep services and more details on all the services being offered this tax season on our free tax help webpage, opens a new window.