Free Income Tax Services at the Library
Albany Public Library should be your first stop for income tax assistance and resources this tax season.
On select days through April 13, APL will provide free federal income tax preparation services for people with an annual household income limit of $54,000. The Washington Ave. Branch hosts appointments for assistance from February through April. The Howe Branch offers tax help in February, while the Delaware and Arbor Hill/West Hill branches have appointments in March.
This year, all tax help at APL branches are by appointment only and can be scheduled by calling the United Way 2-1-1 hotline.
The income tax preparation services are provided for free by APL’s partners—volunteers from the Internal Revenue Service Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the AARP Tax-Aide program. APL’s tax program provides a valuable service to the community. Last year alone, more than 1,500 people had their taxes prepared for free at Albany Public Library resulting in more than $2 million in refunds back to the community.
Here is the schedule of free income tax assistance programs available at APL:
Feb. 3 to April 13: Wednesdays at the Washington Ave. Branch (161 Washington Ave.)
By appointment only. Call the 2-1-1 hotline to schedule an appointment.
Feb. 6 to Feb. 27: Saturdays at the Howe Branch (105 Schuyler St.)
By appointment only. Call the 2-1-1 hotline to schedule an appointment.
March 1 to March 31: Tuesdays AND Thursdays at the Delaware Branch (331 Delaware Ave.)
By appointment only. Call the 2-1-1 hotline to schedule an appointment.
March 4 to March 28: Mondays AND Fridays at the Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch (148 Henry Johnson Blvd.)
By appointment only. Call the 2-1-1 hotline to schedule an appointment.
Albany Public Library branches also stock basic New York State and limited federal forms (1040, 1040-A, 1040-EZ) for individual filers. Details and other tax resources can be found online.
Stephanie Simon
Stephanie Simon is manager of APL's Communication and Creative Services Department, which provides content and information for the library's website, social media, publications, videos, podcasts, and other outlets. Stephanie also manages APL's public relations and marketing efforts.