91°F
weather icon Clear

Library to receive limited number of tax forms

Benjamin Franklin once said, “In this world, nothing can said to be certain, except death and taxes.”

In the past, you could usually add something along the lines of “with tax forms available at your local library.”

This year, however, the 2015 Omnibus Appropriations bill passed by Congress cut funding to the IRS, which is reducing the number and types of forms available at outlets such as libraries, including Boulder City Library.

“I hope that our patrons understand that not providing the tax forms as we have in the past was not a choice made by the library. Just like everyone else, we depend on the government for these publications,” said Lynn Schofield-Dahl, library director.

The most commonly used forms — 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ — will be available. Additionally, the IRS will send single copies of several reference guides, which library patrons can look at or use to make copies.

“We will have a limited number of the most-used forms available,” Schofield-Dahl said. “As long as we have free materials available, we will be glad to make those materials available for free to our patrons. We ask that patrons understand that the numbers are limited and they take only what they need.”

However, according to the letter sent to the library from the IRS, instructions for those popular forms will not be provided.

They are available to read online or individual copies can be downloaded or ordered for delivery by mail.

“The decision to reduce the number of tax products available to our Tax Forms Outlet Program partners was not made lightly,” the letter stated. “We realize this decision is not ideal and we understand it may impact you and your customers. Please offer Publication 4604 to your patrons to help guide them to tax products and information available on IRS.gov.”

Schofield-Dahl said the library staff will help patrons with making copies of the forms it receives and help with printing pages from the Internet. She also recommends people bring flash drives to save any publications they download.

“Another option for tax preparation is to work with the AARP tax preparers, who will be providing the service for free at the library on Mondays beginning in February. Please make an appointment to work with an AARP volunteer by calling 702-293-3320,” she added.

Hali Bernstein Saylor is editor of the Boulder City Review. She can be reached at hsaylor@bouldercityreview.com or at 702-586-9523. Follow @HalisComment on Twitter.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
BCHS: 2023 and beyond

Boulder City High School saw 125 students graduate Tuesday night at Bruce Eaton Field. Dozens of students have received college scholarships totaling just under $7.5 million. It was the school’s 82nd graduating class.

BCHS grad sees business grow during and following pandemic

During the pandemic, many had to find creative or alternative ways to put food on the table. For Sara Ramthun, she found not only a way to put food on her table but on the table of many others as well.

Outdoor shade can cool, bring energy efficiency to home

We all know cool shade is a hot commodity during summer months. The amount of shade around our home determines whether outdoor living spaces are something we can enjoy as days get longer and sun gets stronger. Besides making us feel more comfortable, shade can help keep the sun from fading or damaging our yard furniture, plants, equipment, etc. Shade abutting a home can reduce heat gain, making indoors cooler and more energy efficient.

Grad Walk: Emotional tradition marches on

Garrett Junior High Principal Melanie Teemant may have summed it up best when she asked, “Where else do you see this?”

BCHS Grad Night: A tradition for 33 years

It’s one of the most memorable nights in a young adult’s life. But it can also be one of the most tragic.

Hall makes a musical journey from Charleston to BC

When the 2023 inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were announced last week, one newer resident of Boulder City had more of an emotional stake in the outcome than most.

Mike Pacini: The voice of Boulder City

Whether it’s in the grocery store aisle, sitting on the dais of City Council or as the voice of Boulder City, Mike Pacini is easily one of the most recognizable people in town.