Free Tax Help At NE Branch Public Library



The Northeast Branch (6801 35^th Avenue NE) of the Seattle Public Library, is offering free tax help through April 14. 

The information says:

The Seattle Public Library and , AARP, are working together to offer free drop-in tax help on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations or appointments are accepted.  Trained volunteers will be available to answer questions and prepare personal tax returns. 

This service is free and available to individuals, excluding business tax returns. 

Trained volunteers will answer questions and help prepare personal tax returns.  

Due to federal budget cuts, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is unable to provide the Library with certain tax forms and instruction booklets. 

For more information go here.  

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  Also NE Seattle Police Crime Prevention Coordinator, Mary Amberg, shared this information: 
  
  Tax-Related Identity Theft Awareness
  
  Tax-Related Identity theft is an important crime to be aware of during tax season. An identity thief may use your Social Security number to get a tax refund or a job. Contact the IRS if they send you a notice saying their records show:
  • you were paid by an employer you don't know
  • more than one tax return was filed using your Social Security number
  • visit IdentityTheft.gov to report and recover from identity theft.
  
  A few things you can do to prevent becoming a victim:
  
  • File your tax return as soon as you can. If someone uses your SSN to file for a tax refund before you do, the IRS might think you already filed and got your refund.
  
  • Always protect your social security number of Medicare number. Don’t routinely carry your Social Security card. Do not give out the number unless you have to, and always ask why it is needed and how it will be stored.
  
  • Research your tax preparer. Protect your personal data and make sure your tax records are secure.
  
  • Always use security software with firewall and anti-virus protections. Use strong passwords. Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious emails.
  
  • It has always been recommended to use a cross shredder for disposal any unwanted mail, bank statements, old unneeded tax documents, etc.
  
  • Don't use USPS drop boxes. Identity thieves are able to easily "fish" mail out of them. Take your mail inside the post office.
  
   • File your taxes online. Most fraud occurs via snail mail (see above). I use turbotax.com. This is an easy to use program that will still handle complex tax issues such as capital gains, etc. 
  
  • Opt to have your refund directly deposited to your bank account. If an identity thief intercepts your check in the mail, he or she will be able to create a fake ID and cash it in under an hour.
  
  • Learn to recognize and avoid phishing emails, threatening calls and texts from thieves posing as legitimate organizations such as your bank, credit card companies and even the IRS. An unexpected notice or letter from the IRS could alert you that someone else is using your SSN, however, the IRS doesn't start contact with a taxpayer by sending an email, text or social media message that asks for personal or financial information. If you get an email that claims to be from the IRS, do not reply or click on any links. Instead, forward it to phishing@irs.gov.
  
  • The IRS uses your Social Security Number (SSN) to make sure your filing is accurate and complete, and that you get any refund you are due. Identity theft can affect how your tax return is processed. For more information go here.