where can i get tax forms

As if Covid hadn’t made things complicated enough, now we’ve come to Tax Time! Lots of people are likely to be filing online this year, but some of us still need to put pencil to paper. Libraries have traditionally been places you can get tax forms and instruction booklets, but this year … not so much. Actually, the amount of CT State forms and booklets libraries receive started dwindling even before Covid times, but this year there will be no hard copies of CT State Tax materials at the library, and a very limited amount of Federal Income Tax printed materials.

But fear not! Everything you need is out there in the Cloud, ready for you to download and print. For CT State Tax forms and instructions, visit https://portal.ct.gov/DRS/DRS-Forms/Current-Year-Forms/Individual-Income-Tax-Forms. Federal Income Tax forms and instructions can be found at https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions.

No printer? No problem. You can make an appointment to come in and use one of our computers to print up your documents (.10/page for black and white copies). Adult public computer use appointments for specified time slots may be reserved by phone (203-272-2245), up to one day in advance, and patrons may book one session per day.

You can also use our Mobile Print Portal to send print jobs from home to the library’s printer. More information on mobile printing can be found on our Printing & Technology page. You can arrange to pick up your printed pages through our Grab ‘n Go contactless pickup service.

The CT Department of Revenue Services also offers a number of ways to help you file your state taxes. Upon request, patrons are welcome to contact DRS at the following phone numbers below Mon-Fri from 8:30-4:30 to request tax forms, booklets, and instructions that DRS maintains in-house, and can mail directly to the patron’s home address.

860-297-5962 (from anywhere)
800-382-9463 (Connecticut calls outside the Greater Hartford calling area only)
860-297-4911(TTY, TDD, and Text Telephone users only)

The DRS website has the answer to many state tax questions,including a Frequently Asked Questions page. Taxpayers are also encouraged to call or email DRS with questions specific to their situation. DRS now also offers remote assistance, where taxpayers can schedule an appointment and receive real-time DRS tax assistance from the comfort of their own homes, from a trained DRS professional during normal business hours, via the online Microsoft Teams platform. DRS tax examiners are available to schedule appointments with patrons and library staff (to insure technology for the patron is available), at a time that is mutually convenient.

Don’t hit the Panic Button just yet, grab your calculator and head to Cheshire Library for the tax forms you need. We have many forms and instruction booklets available in our Reference Department, and lots more are available online to print out.

CT State forms may be downloaded from the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.

Federal tax forms may be downloaded from the Internal Revenue Service.

Last-minute Federal Income Tax tips from valueyourmoney.org:

What documents should be included with my tax form?

Generally, the only forms that need to be attached are your W-2 and certain 1099 forms. If you plan to e-file and have additional documents to include, you’ll need to fill out form 8453.

I found a mistake on one of my 1099 forms and haven’t received a corrected one yet. What should I do?

You have two choices. Either pay the amount of tax that is due and file for an extension or file your return and send an amended return later with an explanation.

Filing an extension
How do I get an extension to file my tax return?

All you need to do is file Form 4868 to obtain an automatic six-month extension. This will eliminate any late-filing penalties, but you will still need to include any taxes you owe. Additionally, it should be noted that an automatic extension does not extend all deadlines associated with your tax return; for example it does not extend the time to make an IRA contribution. If you are making an IRA contribution for the prior tax year (2013 in this case), it must be made on or before April 15, 2014

Paying your tax bill
What if I can’t pay the balance of my taxes by April 15?

If you can show undue hardship, complete and mail Form 1127 on or before April 15 to extend the time of payment for up to six months. Your application must be accompanied by evidence supporting undue hardship, a statement of assets and liabilities, and receipts and disbursements for three months prior to the original due date of the return. If you don’t think you’ll be able to pay off your outstanding tax bill in full within six months, you can file Form 9465 to request an installment agreement. However, you will be charged interest on your outstanding tax balance. As an alternative, you may want to consider getting a loan from a family member, friend, or bank.

Getting your return to the IRS by April 15
My tax return won’t be ready until April 15. What’s the best way to get it to the IRS?

E-file your return, or use the U.S. Postal System. As long as your return is postmarked on April 15, it will be deemed filed on time. If mailing your return it is strongly advised that you mail it certified/return receipt so that you have proof that you mailed it in a timely manner.