LibGuides: MoneyBoss: Your Guide to Personal Finance and Entrepreneurship: Taxes

Tax News

U.S. federal tax deadline for filing in 2024 is Monday, April 15 for 2023 tax return.

New York State tax deadline for filing in 2024 is Monday, April 15 for 2023 tax return.

Guide to filing your taxes in 2024
From the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB)

Free tax filing and assistance

Free File (federal and state)
Many tax payers will be eligible to file their income tax forms for free. If your adjusted gross income is below $79,000/yr, you can use Free File, allowing you to prepare and file your federal individual income tax return for free using tax-preparation-and-filing software.
NY State Tax Free File
If your 2021 income is $73,000 or less, you may qualify to file your NY State income taxes for free. Please check this list of software providers and their eligibility criteria to see if you qualify for free tax filing. [List compiled by the the New York State Dept. of Taxation and Finance]
Direct File
In 2024, the IRS is launching a new pilot tax filing service called Direct File. If you're eligible and choose to participate, file your 2023 federal tax return online, for free, directly with IRS. It will be rolled out in phases and is expected to be more widely available in mid-March.
New York State tax filers with simpler returns may be eligible.
Free federal tax return preparation
> The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $57,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.
> In addition to VITA, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.
NY State Taxpayer Assistance Program (TAP)
If your federal adjusted gross income was $79,000 or less in 2023, you qualify to receive free virtual tax assistance from the Taxpayer Assistance Program. They can help you electronically prepare and file your 2023 federal and state income tax returns at no cost.
Miltax
Tax services--including free filing and preparation--for members of the military and their immediate families. Offered by Military OneSource and the Department of Defense.

Check your tax preparer's credentials

Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications
This searchable directory is intended to help you with your choice by providing a listing of preparers in your area who currently hold professional credentials recognized by the IRS or who hold an Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion.

Library resources

J.K. Lasser's your income tax by J.K. Lasser Tax Institute
Call Number: Reference KF6369.6 .J18
Publication Date: Library has latest year

Payroll Taxes and W-4

Filling Out a W-4
This video (transcript included) walks you through how to fill out a W-4 and shares an example of how a young person who just got their first summer job would fill out a W-4.
How to Fill Out Form W-4
The W-4 Employee's Withholding Certificate is the form that your employer hands you when you start a new job. This article will explain what a W-4 is and walk you through how to fill out the form, which was completely revamped in 2020, line by line.

Internal Revenue Service

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website is the online presence for the U.S. government agency in charge of federal income tax. From the IRS website, you can do the following and more:

Download forms, instructions & publications
Filing information
Get information about filing your personal or business tax return
Check the status of your refund
Make tax payments

If you've tried to try to resolve a problem with the IRS, and haven't been able to get help, the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) may be an option for you. TAS is an independent organization within the IRS. They work to ensure that every taxpayer is treated fairly and that you know and understand your rights. Advocates can help if you have tax problems that you can’t resolve on your own.

Taxpayer Advocate Service--Get Help

Tax software reviews

There are dozens--if not more--websites that review tax preparation software. Here are a few from more popular sites:

The Best Tax Software for 2024
As reviewed by PC Magazine
Best Online Tax Software
As reviewed by NerdWallet

State Income Tax

Don't forget, New York State and New York City collect income tax as well! Both state and city taxes are administered and collected by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website is where to go for information on filing your New York State/City tax return. From their website, you can

download forms and instructions
learn about options for filing your return
check the status of your refund
make a payment
and much more

List of State Tax Agencies
If you need to file taxes for a state other than New York, check this list of state tax websites from the Federation of Tax Administrators