While getting your tax refund is exciting, filing often is a stressful process. That’s why we’re connecting you with free help. This year, CHPL is partnering with United Way to help you prep and file your 2020 taxes.
“Our work with our partners and other volunteers connects Library customers with information that meets their individual needs while promoting equity and financial stability,” said Chief Operating Officer Brett Bonfield.
“We worked with United Way to create a guide that walks low- to moderate-income customers through their tax filing options so they can choose the one that’s right for them. This also is connected to other community-based Free Tax Prep sites so Library customers can choose the location and services that work best for them, even if that location isn't a CHPL location,” he said.
Multiple Types of Assistance Offered
There are three types of assistance provided at several Library locations:
Drop-Off: Same-Day
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Downtown Main Library – Every Friday beginning March 5 - April 9.
Schedule your appointment here by selecting AARP Tax Aide and then Cincinnati Downtown Library in the scheduling tool.
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Avondale Branch — Every Saturday 10 a.m.–2 p.m. beginning Feb. 20 through April 10.
Schedule your appointment here. Day-of sign-in sheet available at the Library.
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Reading Branch — Every Saturday 10 a.m.–2 p.m. now through March 6.
All time slots are currently booked, but you can visit United Way to view any potential openings due to cancellation.
Drop-Off/Drive-Thru Service: Up to One Week Turnaround
We’ll have Drop-Off/Drive-Thru prep available once per week with up to a one-week turnaround. In each case, volunteers make sure that customers have brought all the necessary documents and information, scan the originals, return the originals to the customers, and then prepare their taxes for them according to the timeline that’s available at that Library location.
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Groesbeck Branch — Every Saturday 10 a.m.–1 p.m. in February.
All time slots are currently booked, but you can visit United Way to view any potential openings due to cancellation.
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Harrison Branch — Every Saturday 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. in 30-minute time slots. Now through April 10.
Click to schedule your appointment or call United Way at 513-721-7900. Indiana customers call 513-762-7100.
DIY Service
Think you’ve got a pretty good handle on things, but don’t want to pay fees to file? Do it yourself at any library location with free access to software called TaxSlayer. You also have 24/7 access to the United Way’s 211 phone number if you need a quick tip or two.
We will have tax prep coaching available at specific computers, by reservation, and online at several CHPL locations to be announced soon.
For customers who are comfortable with a computer and want a volunteer to prepare their taxes for them, the GetYourRefund.org is available to anyone with computer and internet access, including at all Library computers.
Making Appointments
Not sure which route to choose or need help setting up an appointment? Call the Library’s Virtual Information Center at 513-369-6900, or fill out a brief online survey online to register for tax prep assistance. Library staff also can (virtually) go with customers through this survey and help them make decisions and appointments.
Stay tuned, as more services at different branch locations may become available. Tax Day for 2021 is Thursday, April 15. Don’t let the date sneak up on you!
For more information about our tax prep assistance, please visit the United Way. For customers interested in in-person service, please review this checklist of documents you need to bring to your appointment.
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