Tax help

Tax season is here and the library has resources to help. You can pick up free tax forms here and set up an appointment with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).

VITA, a service of Shawnee County Research and Extension, is now appointment only. Susan Fangman, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent said, "We decided it was quite the process because people would stand in line to sign up, and then have to come back later during the day. People take off work, and they'd have to sit, not knowing if they were going to be seen. This new process is better for everyone." This change will make the process of filing taxes easier and less stressful.

VITA volunteers are well qualified. "I've been doing this for seven years, and a lot of our volunteers have been with us for many years," said Fangman. "Some of them have retired from the IRS. We have two full days of training provided by our long-time volunteers. The training works through the VITA Volunteer Resource Guide provided by the IRS. We also have an evening update training where we share what is new with tax law. Volunteers must pass the VITA Volunteer Assistor's Test with an 80 percent to volunteer with the VITA program. All returns are quality reviewed by a second volunteer, so there is always someone else to check your work. We look for people with a willingness to make a difference in our community and an interest in learning."

Call (785) 969-9951 to schedule an appointment with VITA and get your taxes filed right here at the library! Find a complete schedule of all the Shawnee County Tax Assistance sites and more information from the Shawnee County Extension Office.

Forms and instructions

You can pick up tax forms and instructions at the library.

Federal

Form 1040 and 1040 SR, includes Schedules 1, 2 and 3 (all are in the same booklet)
Instruction booklet for 1040 form
Spanish language 1040 forms and 1040 instruction booklet