The 2024 IRS tax season has begun and IRS tax return paper forms are available at the Library.

This year, the Free Library locations that participate in the IRS Tax Forms Outlet Program are receiving the following three tax return publications:

1. 1040/1040 SR Combined Instruction Booklet
2. 1040 Tax Return Form
3. 1040-SR Form (an optional, alternative tax return form that seniors can file)

Form 1040, Form 1040-SR, and the combined 1040/1040-SR Instruction Books are now available in the Social Science and History Department at Parkway Central Library. To determine tax form availability at your neighborhood library please call ahead before any planned visit to confirm access.

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

Tax Inflation Adjustments 2024

The IRS announced annual inflation adjustments for more than 60 tax provisions. The changes of greatest interest to taxpayers include updates to the Standard Deduction and the Earned Income Tax Credit:

• The Standard Deduction for married couples filing jointly rose by $1,500, totaling $29,200. It rose by $750 for single taxpayers and married individuals filing separately, totaling $14,600. Heads of households will receive an increase of $1,100 to the Standard Deduction of $21,900. 
• The maximum Earned Income Tax Credit amount is now $7,830 for qualifying taxpayers who have three or more qualifying children. 
• Educators can still deduct up to $300 in out-of-pocket expenses for classroom supplies. 

The IRS Encourages Taxpayers to File Electronically and Choose Direct Deposit

To avoid additional processing delays, the IRS is asking taxpayers to consider e-filing 2024 tax returns and to use direct deposit as an option for obtaining tax refund payments. 

Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Tax Forms

The Free Library of Philadelphia can no longer obtain Pennsylvania state and Philadelphia City 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. The Social Science and History Department does offer reproducible state and city tax forms that can be photocopied at $0.25 per page. Alternatively, individual taxpayers may still be able to obtain Pennsylvania state forms using one of the following methods:

• Downloading and printing the 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 scheduled in advance are strongly recommended. It is suggested that taxpayers seeking assistance call for an appointment and verify service offerings per location. Appointments can be scheduled Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Philadelphia - Center City Office:

STE 204A (Inheritance Tax Office in Suite 204B)
110 N. 8th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107-2412
215-560-2056
RA-RV-BET-PHI-TA-EM@pa.gov

Philadelphia - Northeast Office:

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

For assistance with Philadelphia City Tax forms, visit the Philadelphia Tax Center webpage.

As with the IRS, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue strongly suggests that taxpayers consider e-filing their 2024 tax returns to avoid filing delays. The Department of Revenue anticipates eight to ten weeks for mailed paper returns to be added to their system, with an additional four weeks for the return to be reviewed and processed.