Another Daily News Gem from Joanna!

There’s a saying in my family that “nothing is certain in life but death and taxes.”  Several weeks ago, I, like many thousands of other Americans, cleared some time to focus on the latter of these elements…taxes.  The kids had been warned in advance “Mommy’s doing taxes, so this is her alone time.”  My husband had been prepped to run interference and was adequately equipped with a variety of meal and snack options with which to feed our offspring when they got hungry.  So, hunched over my computer, 10-key by my side and surrounded by piles of files and receipts, I steeled myself to the task at hand and dug in.  

I had gotten the tax forms and booklets I needed from Neill Public Library.  The library has a tax table set up with free hardcopies of many of the popular forms and information booklets people need to file their taxes.  Delivery of these items to the library had been slowed by the recent passage of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, but in my case, I was lucky the forms I needed had arrived.  

Paperwork in hand, I methodically worked my way through the income, deductions, and credits sections on the form.  Several long hours later, I emerged exhausted, but victorious; another year of taxes had been filed.  I wanted to shout my victory from our rooftop, but decided to settle, instead, for another cup of coffee and some hard-won breakfast.  Coming from someone who doesn’t have a personal tax accountant to help me with taxes, let me offer a suggestion to those that do.  Thank your accountant.  Take them some flowers or chocolate to express your gratitude for their assistance.  They just saved you from countless hours, numerous paper cuts, and an otherwise mind-numbing experience that could have left you reeling.

If you have not yet filed your taxes and you are over the age of 50, or are of any age in a low to middle income tax bracket, pay close attention.  The AARP Foundation Tax Aide program is offering free help at two locations in Moscow.  Representatives will be on hand to answer your tax-related questions and in some cases, to actually prepare your taxes for you.  Sessions are held at the 1912 Center in Moscow, from 9:30 am – 2 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, and the University of Idaho College of Law building, from 5 – 7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 8 am - 12noon on Saturdays.  Walk-ins are welcome at both locations, with sessions scheduled to end by mid-April.

If you are already a seasoned filer and just need the forms or instruction booklets, stop by Neill Public Library to pick up what you need.  If the material has not yet arrived from the IRS, our information staff can help you print out what you need directly from the IRS website at www.IRS.gov. 

Joanna Bailey

Library Director, Neill Public Library

3/02-03/13 Moscow Pullman Daily News