QUESTION: I’m a senior. I don’t have a computer. I don’t have the instruction book for the 1040A or Schedule A and B that I need to begin my income taxes. I can’t find any place on this island that has the booklets or forms for us to use. The libraries have them but said they would let us use the instruction booklet only if we come in and work there. I think this is a little bit impossible for many seniors like me. Where can we go to get the booklets and schedule that we need in order to file our federal income tax?
ANSWER: Most public libraries will have federal tax forms available, although on Oahu, the Aiea and Salt Lake-Moanalua libraries will offer reproducible copies only.
However, overall, because of severe budget cuts, the Internal Revenue Service’s Tax Form Outlet Program, which distributes tax preparation supplies to public libraries, "was underfunded and could not print the forms and publications normally provided to us for distribution to federal tax filers," acknowledged Stewart Chun, head of the Hawaii State Library’s Federal Documents Section.
This fiscal year the IRS provided public libraries with copies of Forms 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ without the accompanying instruction booklets, he said.
There are other options to obtain other federal tax forms and publications.
For those without computers:
» Call the IRS at 800-829-3676 to order tax preparation documents.
» A limited number of forms is available at the IRS Tax Assistance Center, 300 Ala Moana Blvd.
» See a tax preparer (for free help, see below).
For those with access to a computer:
» Go to the IRS website, irs.gov, and select the link for current forms and publications, which can be downloaded and printed.
» File electronically.
"By mid-March many of our public libraries are scheduled to receive reproducible forms for patrons to make photocopies of the most requested tax documents on library copier machines," Chun said.
The cost is 20 cents per page.
The reproducible forms will include templates of the 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ booklets that can be copied on library copier machines as well, Chun said.
IRS ADVICE
The IRS is encouraging electronic filing, which requires no forms, said spokesman David Tucker.
Taxpayers who are elderly or have low incomes also have the option to receive free help in preparing returns via the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, Tucker said.
Information about local organizations providing this service can be found at irs.gov (click on "Get Free Tax Preparation Help"), or call 800-906-9887.
(For information on free tax help at Tax-Aide sites operated by the AARP, call 888-227-7669.)
Tucker pointed out that all IRS forms, instructions and publications are available at irs.gov, "which continues to be the best way to get the products you need" at any time.
You can also check on the status of your refund on the website.
AUWE
To the reckless driver of a black Nissan truck. I was driving on Kalanianaole Highway near Kuliouou around 8 one morning when you nearly sideswiped my car. Your speeding, tailgating and weaving in and out of traffic endangered everyone on the road. Your driver’s license should be revoked. — S.C.
MAHALO
To Mario, an EMT with Makiki Ambulance Service, for your compassion and gentle treatment of a very frightened 75-year-old. It was my first experience riding in an ambulance to the emergency room, and you quickly calmed my fears and made me feel I was in the hands of a good friend. I know my son thanked you, but with all that was going on, I never had the time to thank you. Mario, you were an angel sent from heaven, and I will never forget you. — B. Gonsalves
Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
