Tax Preparation Resources
It’s 2024! Which means it's time to file taxes for 2023. But it’s not always easy to navigate how to do so. Below is information to help you access the deadlines, forms and free resources available to the public to file in a timely fashion.
The IRS website is available in multiple languages that can be selected for your needs. For any IRS links noted below, you can indicate a preferred language on their site.
- January 12, 2024: IRS Free File, opens a new window is available. Eligible taxpayers can begin filing returns through Free File partners or tax software companies (tax returns will be transmitted to the IRS starting January 24).
- January 29, 2024: IRS begins tax season. Individual tax returns begin being accepted by the agency and processing begins.
- April 15, 2024: Deadline for filing 2023 tax returns.
- April 15, 2024: Deadline to request an extension for 2023 tax returns.
- October 15, 2024: Deadline for extension filers.
- Federal forms and instructions, opens a new window , including 1040 and 1040-SR
- California Resident form, opens a new windows , including 540, 540 2EZ, and 540 ES
- You can use the library’s Print Anywhere service to print forms. Print jobs can be up to 25 pages and should be formatted and ready to print. Printing sensitive or confidential information is done at your own risk. Please use your best judgment when sending material to print. San Mateo County Libraries is not responsible for lost or misplaced prints.
- Some San Mateo County Libraries locations may have a limited supply of pre-printed tax forms by the end of February. Available while supplies last. Please call Customer Care at 1-833-YES-SMCL (1-833-937-7625) if you need assistance.
Taxes can be filed either online (e-file) or printed and mailed. Below are resources and information you may use to consider either option.
- IRS E-file options, opens a new window for filing federal taxes
- IRS Free File, opens a new window program is available to those who meet eligibility requirements
- Understand the differences in e-file versus paper filing, opens a new window
- IRS news post: IRS sets January 29 as official start to 2023 tax filing seaso, opens a new windown (from January 8, 2024)
Some groups may offer drop-off or virtual assistance in lieu of in-person meetings. Many services require appointments. Some organizations may offer services to people of specific income levels or ages. Check with these organizations directly to reserve assistance or find a location near you.
- IRS program VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, opens a new window) offers free tax help to:
- People who generally make an income of $64,000 or less (no rental property income or cryptocurrency income)
- Persons with disabilities; and
- Limited English-speaking taxpayers
- Find a VITA Tax Help Location near you!
- People who generally make an income of $64,000 or less (no rental property income or cryptocurrency income)
- IRS program TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly, opens a new window) offers free tax help, particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors
- CalFile, opens a new window is the state online program to file California tax return for free
- Earn It Keep It Save It, opens a new window is a coalition serving the Bay Area in partnership with United Way
- United Way and Code for America partner for Get Your Refund, opens a new window, where you may be eligible for free online filing with human support. In English and Spanish, opens a new window
- AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Locator, opens a new window has limited locations for drop-off and virtual assistance
- AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Online Tax Assistance, opens a new window or call toll free at 888-OUR-AARP
- IRS Information for Veterans, opens a new window is available
You can contact the following county locations for tax assistance. Some locations may require appointments.
- Foster City Community Center, opens a new window
- 650-286-2585
- Wednesdays from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
- February 7 – April 10, 2024
- Veterans Memorial Senior Center – Redwood City, opens a new window
- 650-817-8672
- Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- February 7 – April 10, 2024
- Assistance only for military stationed in the U.S
- San Mateo Public Library, opens a new window
- 650-539-4459
- Fridays from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
- February 9 – April 12, 2024
- College of San Mateo , opens a new window
- Email vita@smccd.edu or leave a message at 650-378-7275
- Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- February 10 – March 23, 2024
- Assistance not available to international students
- San Carlos Adult Community Center , opens a new window
- 650-802-4113
- Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM
- February 15 – April 11, 2024
- The Belmont Library is offering tax preparation assistance in partnership with VITA. Appointments are available every Saturday from February 10 to April 13. Appointment slots are 10:00-11:30 AM, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM, 1:30-3:00 PM and 3:00-4:40 PM. Please call 650-440-6150 or send an email to schedule an appointment or ask any questions.
- You can use the library’s Print Anywhere service to print forms. Print jobs can be up to 25 pages and should be formatted and ready to print as-is. Printing sensitive or confidential information is done at your own risk. Please use your best judgment when sending material to print. San Mateo County Libraries is not responsible for lost or misplaced prints.
- San Mateo County Libraries offer free Virtual Meeting Spaces, which you may use to meet with your own personal tax advisor.
- Legal Information Resource Center, opens a new window has exclusive full text for many top consumer legal reference books, as well as thousands of legal forms.
- Search for books on tax and financial issues at smcl.org and check them out at one of our locations or online.
- Find related information on financial literacy and investing through Morningstar Investment Research Center (requires logging in with your '29041' library card) and Financial Ratings Series Online.
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