Written by Joe Armstrong, Content Specialist, Marketing, Downtown Main Library
W-2. 1040. W-9.
These simple terms cause many of us to conjure images of undecipherable hieroglyphic forms and anxiously filing documents before the looming annual tax filing deadline.
But with free, expert tax prep available at five library locations, opens a new window you’ll file your taxes faster than you can say “Adjusted Gross Income.”
Stress-Free Tax Help
In partnership with United Way of Greater Cincinnati and AARP, tax help and preparation assistance is available through April 2023 at five library locations throughout Cincinnati and Hamilton County.
This program is free and available for:
- Low-to-moderate-income taxpayers
- Individuals and families on fixed incomes
- College students
- People with disabilities
- Those with limited English language abilities
"CHPL steps in to connect folks with resources any way we can, and taxes are no exception," says Caitlin Snyder, Branch Supervisor at the Harrison Branch Library, "While more and more forms and processes go online it’s still important to provide in-person help, with trained professionals who can answer questions face-to-face."
Make an Appointment
Tax help is available at the Downtown Main Library, Groesbeck, Harrison, North Central, and Reading Branch Libraries and services vary by location, with same day and drop off services offered.
For locations offering Same Day services customers can find browse our collection while their documents are being reviewed. For those offering drop off service, customers leave an intake packet with volunteers and schedule a pick-up appointment, usually on the following Saturday, to review their prepared tax return.
"We're able to offer this valuable service thanks to a partnership with United Way of Greater Cincinnati and, specifically at the Reading Branch Library, volunteers from GE Aviation," says Travis Castleberry, Branch Manager at the Reading Branch Library, "The service takes about an hour so customers can browse our collection and use our computers while they wait. The volunteers from GE Aviation are amazing! They're very organized and able to answer any questions you may have."
An appointment is required by calling the Library at 513-369-6900 or through United Way’s website, opens a new window.
What to Bring
Find general information about what to bring with you on the United Way's website.
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.
Need to print your federal, state, or local tax forms? The Library offers 20 pages of free printing per day at our locations. You don’t need a library card to use this service.
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.
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