The Internal Revenue Service has announced that it will significantly reduce the number of tax forms and instruction publications that it makes available through local public libraries.
 
According to the IRS, 95-percent of taxpayers filed their tax returns electronically during last filing season. As a result, the number of forms and publications that the IRS produces and makes available to the public will be reduced again this year. 
 
Individuals may obtain copies of federal forms and publications through www.IRS.gov/forms to view, download, and print, or through www.IRS.gov/orderforms to order tax products to be delivered by mail. Individuals may also call (800) 829-3676 to order tax products to be delivered by mail. 
 
The number of State of Ohio tax forms sent to public libraries will also be reduced by 75-percent this year, which means supplies will only be available for a short time. State of Ohio tax forms may be accessed online at www.tax.ohio.gov/Forms.aspx, or you may call to request delivery of forms via mail at (800) 282-1782. 
 
Bluffton Public Library strives to provide patrons with important resources. Unfortunately, the changes made by the IRS and the State of Ohio are outside of the library's control. Any forms or publications the library has received are located in the Reference section across from the Audiovisual section. Staff are unaware of what additional forms or guides may be made available to the library in the future, if any, though they will gladly direct patrons to the necessary resources. Patrons may use the library's public computers to read instructions and publications online, and extra computer usage time may be granted to those utilizing public computers for tax filing purposes. (Note: library staff do not possess the training to offer any advice concerning any part of the income tax filing process and may not provide said advice.) 
 
By appointment only, volunteer AARP Tax Preparers will be available at the Bluffton Senior Citizens Center two days a week in February​. These volunteers specialize in senior citizen and low income tax filings only​. Please c​all 419-358-8971 to make your appointment; although, spots may be full. (Note: Volunteers are not CPAs.)
 
Qualifying taxpayers may also receive assistance with filing their taxes at tax-aide sites, as listed at this website: IRS.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers.
 
Library staff appreciate your understanding during this significant change in community resources. Please direct questions, comments, or concerns to our Public Services Coordinator at psc@blufftonpubliclibrary.org or by calling 419-358-5016 during open hours.