[Libs-Or] Tax forms

Thu Mar 13 09:33:01 PDT 2014

Getting forms from the web is one thing, printing off booklets and other instructions is quite another, especially for patrons with minimal computers and/or with slower connections. 

Edith Fuller, Professional Library, Portland Public Schools, retired.

From: Arlene Weible 
Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2014 8:42 AM
To: libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us 
Subject: Re: [Libs-Or] Tax forms

The IRS is discouraging distribution of paper forms through any outlets in favor of on-demand printing from their web site: http://www.irs.gov/Forms-&-Pubs  This is likely why there are so many delays in distribution. They do maintain a schedule for shipping forms that may be helpful: http://www.irs.gov/uac/Shipping-Information-Tax-Products

ALA maintains a liaison relationship with the IRS TFOP program, so if anyone wants to provide information about the value of the form distribution program through that liaison, I would be happy to put you in touch with the right contact.

Also, if you have patrons who want to channel their frustration, the IRS’ Taxpayer Advocacy Panel is currently seeks members from Oregon. More details can be found at: http://www.improveirs.org/tapapply.aspx

--Arlene

Arlene Weible

Electronic Services Consultant

Oregon Federal Regional Depository Coordinator

Library Development Services

Oregon State Library

250 Winter St NE

Salem OR, 97301

503-378-5020

arlene.weible at state.or.us

http://www.oregon.gov/osl/LD/Pages/technology/sdlp/index.aspx

From: Libs-Or [mailto:libs-or-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us] On Behalf Of Jackie May
Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2014 7:03 PM
To: Buzzy Nielsen; libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us
Subject: Re: [Libs-Or] Tax forms

We still get the federal forms and booklets at the Jefferson County Library District. We do not get any Oregon tax forms or booklets, but provide a toll free number and the website address for patrons to order their own items.

We are similar in size to the HR library population. There are many patrons here who do not have computers at home on which to file their tax returns. We get people coming in the first week of January to get tax forms, and they are rather upset when we don't have the forms on demand.

In previous years, the tax season was something looked upon by staff with "dread", because patrons would ask us all kinds of questions. The ubiquitous "Which forms do I need?" is always a jaw-dropper. Fortunately, after years of explaining that "we are not allowed to give tax advice", people stopped asking.

The Post Office has stopped carrying the forms in their lobby as well, since the government is now charging the Post Office for the forms. We are the last gasp in Jefferson County for tax forms!

Jackie

On Wed, Mar 12, 2014 at 4:26 PM, Buzzy Nielsen <buzzy at hoodriverlibrary.org> wrote:

Hi everyone,

Have any of you elected to no longer stock tax forms/booklets at your library? A combination of factors is making a few of us start to rethink whether it's worth the staff time to provide this service.

  1.. The extreme lateness of the forms the past few years, making patrons somewhat annoyed. 
  2.. The quickly-dwindling number of patrons who actually use the paper forms. 
  3.. The fact that our tax forms got delivered to an unknown alternate address that UPS can't seem to tell us where. 
  4.. The amount of staff time trying to deal with problems 1-3.
If your library elected not to have forms/booklets, how did your community react? Were there other places where people could get the forms? I'd love to hear your experiences.

Cheers!
Buzzy

************************************
Library Director
Hood River County Library District
502 State Street
Hood River, Oregon 97031
541-387-7062
http://hoodriverlibrary.org

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-- 

Jackie J. May
Interlibrary Loans
Jefferson County Library District
241 SE 7th Street
Madras, OR 97741
541-475-3351, ext. 307
541-475-7434 (fax)
ORBIS Code #81

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