Updated Tuesday, April 27, 2021 3:15 p.m.

The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021.

It's that time of year again—Tax Season. But don't fret, the Free Library is here to help you make sense of it all!

Updates to the 2020 IRS Tax Return
Besides the annual inflation adjustments and increased standardized deduction that taxpayers can expect when filing their 2020 tax return, the Internal Revenue Service has also introduced some changes to the 1040 form. Here’s a brief summary of what to expect:

• Recovery Rebate Credit / Economic Impact Payment
  Taxpayers who received an Economic Impact Payment may be eligible to claim the new Recovery Rebate Credit on their tax return if they meet one of the following criteria:
  • Did not receive an Economic Impact Payment in 2020.
  • Received an Economic Impact Payment that was less than $1,200 for single filers or was less than $2,400 if recorded as filing jointly on their 2019 or 2018 tax returns. Taxpayers with dependents were also eligible to receive $500 for each qualifying child they had in 2020.

Where to obtain IRS forms
Instructions and booklets containing Form 1040, Form 1040-SR, and the three Schedule supplements are available in the lobby of Parkway Central Library. Please call your local neighborhood library ahead of your visit to confirm form availability.

Alternatively, IRS forms and instructions can also be obtained by submitting an online order through the IRS website or by calling 1-800-829-3676.

No Pennsylvania tax forms available at the Free Library
The Free Library of Philadelphia can no longer obtain Pennsylvania state tax forms and instruction booklets, or the Pennsylvania Property Tax / Rent Rebate form (PA-1000) due to policy changes with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

Alternatively, individual taxpayers may still be able to obtain Pennsylvania state forms using one of the following methods:

• Viewing and printing forms online
• Ordering forms online
• Submitting a telephone request: 1-888-728-2937
• Submitting a written request:

PA Department of Revenue
Tax Forms Service Unit
1854 Brookwood Street
Harrisburg, PA 17104-2244

• Visiting a Pennsylvania district office for taxpayer assistance. Please note that district office appointments are now required and need to be scheduled in advance by phone. Appointments can be scheduled Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Appointments between 8:30 a.m. through 10:00 a.m. are reserved for senior citizens.

Philadelphia – Center City office
STE 204A (Inheritance Tax Office in Suite 204B)
110 North 8th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107-2412
phone: 215-560-2056
email: RA-RV-BET-PHI-TA-EM@pa.gov
 

Philadelphia – Northeast office
Academy Plaza Shopping Center
3240 Red Lion Road
Philadelphia, PA 19114-1109
phone: 215-821-1860
email: RA-RV-BET-PHI-TA-EM@pa.gov

Pennsylvania 2020 tax forms and the 2020 Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate form (PA-1000) are now available on the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s website.

Need Filing Assistance This Tax Season?
Due to the pandemic, local organizations have modified their tax preparation assistance offerings this year.

• Campaign for Working Families
  • Tax sites are now open for in-person information and paperwork drop-off by appointment. CWF staff will contact taxpayers by phone to review tax returns before filing and to schedule a pickup appointment for taxpayers to collect their paperwork.
  • The CWF is also offering virtual tax preparation services. Taxpayers can upload their information and paperwork online. CWF staff will contact taxpayers by phone to review tax returns before filing.
     
• AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program
  • AARP will begin announcing its plans for their tax preparation sites the week of February 8.
     
• IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
  • Site locations are limited this year. Appointments are required.
  • Members of the military and retirees are eligible to receive free tax counseling and preparation assistance. As well, in partnership with the Department of Defense, Military OneSource's MilTax offers free tax preparation and e-filing to eligible service members and their families.
     

Additional options for free or reduced-cost tax filing
Individuals earning under $66,000 annually may file for free using the United Way and H&R Block’s MyFreeTaxes, available for Pennsylvania and New Jersey residents.
 
The Internal Revenue Service’s Free File program offers two filing options based upon income. 

Don’t Forget the Earned Income Tax Credit!
Taxpayers between the ages of 25 and 65, as well as for those who may have a qualifying child, may be eligible for the federal EITC.