Salem, OR – Salem residents in need of tax filing assistance will have the opportunity to receive expert help at the Salem Public Library this Thursday, February 20. Volunteers from the Oregon Department of Revenue will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to guide eligible taxpayers through the process of using IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon, both of which are free services for qualifying individuals.
This event is part of a larger effort, with 18 similar events scheduled statewide before the April 15 filing deadline. Another tax assistance session will take place at the Salem Public Library on Thursday, April 3.
According to the Oregon Department of Revenue, around 62,000 people in Salem and Marion County qualify for these free filing options. Eligible individuals include single taxpayers earning under $200,000 annually and married couples earning under $250,000. Those eligible typically receive W-2 forms, unemployment benefits, or Social Security benefits. However, individuals with unreported cash income, such as tips or gig economy work, are not eligible. Income limits vary depending on marital status.
Before attending the event, participants are encouraged to sign up for an IRS account via ID.me online. This step will help streamline the filing process. While creating a state Revenue Online account is also recommended for faster service, it is not required to file taxes.
Taxpayers should bring necessary documents, including Social Security cards or taxpayer identification numbers for everyone listed on the tax return, a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport, and common tax forms such as W-2, 1099, or SSA-1099. It is also advisable to bring a canceled check or bank routing numbers for direct deposit, along with last year’s tax return, if available.
The library’s computers are expected to be in high demand, so visitors are encouraged to bring their own laptops, tablets, or phones for filing.
This tax assistance event offers a valuable resource to local residents and ensures they have the support needed to navigate the tax filing process before the deadline.
