Bend, OR – Taxpayers in Linn County, Oregon, looking to file their 2024 income tax returns can take advantage of free assistance through a new partnership between the IRS and the Oregon Department of Revenue. On March 4 and 5, volunteers will be available at libraries in Sweet Home and Lebanon to help local residents file their taxes using IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon.

The Sweet Home Public Library will host the service on March 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., while the Lebanon Public Library will offer assistance on March 5, also from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Both libraries will offer the service at no charge, aiming to provide a user-friendly, efficient filing process for those eligible.

The IRS estimates that 23,000 Linn County residents are eligible to use the IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon services. These tools allow taxpayers to file their federal and state returns for free, provided they meet certain eligibility requirements. However, it is important to note that IRS Direct File may not support all tax return types.

Before visiting the libraries for assistance, taxpayers are advised to take a few key preparatory steps:

1. Check Eligibility: Use the IRS Eligibility Checker to confirm if IRS Direct File is available for their tax situation. Not all returns, such as those involving dividends or capital gains, are supported.
2. Set Up an IRS Online Account: Taxpayers must create an account through ID.me to access the IRS filing system. Helpful videos are available to guide users through the account setup process.
3. Ensure Revenue Online Account Access: Taxpayers are also encouraged to set up a Revenue Online account with the Oregon Department of Revenue before attending the event.

Additionally, individuals should bring the necessary documentation to ensure a smooth filing process:

• Identification: Social Security cards or ITIN for all individuals on the tax return, as well as a government-issued photo ID for the taxpayer and spouse if filing jointly.
• Income Documents: Common documents such as W-2 forms (wages from employment), 1099 forms (other income), and SSA-1099 forms (Social Security Benefits).
• Optional: A canceled check or bank account information for direct deposit, as well as a copy of last year’s tax return.

Certain tax situations may disqualify individuals from using IRS Direct File, including those with dividends reported on Form 1099-DIV, capital gains or losses, or pension income (Form 1099-R). These taxpayers may still be eligible to use Direct File Oregon for state tax filing, even if they cannot file their federal return using IRS Direct File.

The initiative is designed to assist those who may not be required to file but are still eligible for important tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The IRS has noted that nearly 25% of eligible Oregon taxpayers miss out on claiming the EITC, potentially leaving significant amounts of money unclaimed. In 2020 alone, this resulted in approximately $100 million in unclaimed credits.

Taxpayers looking for more information or guidance on how to navigate the IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon services can access instructional videos and detailed steps on the Oregon Department of Revenue’s website.

For those unable to attend the events in Sweet Home or Lebanon, alternative free filing assistance options are available, and further details can be found online.