Tax preparation and credit repair at Andrew Carnegie Free Library
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We’ve all heard Ben Franklin’s famous 1789 quote: “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” While there’s not much we can do about the former, I’m happy to say that the library is the place to go for tax help in 2022!
If you’ve never heard of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, allow me to brighten your tax season!
Founded in 1971, VITA is managed by the IRS, which requires stringent tax law training for the thousands of volunteers who help prepare tax returns for millions of taxpayers every year. Thanks to a partnership with Professor Jacob Peng, head of the accounting department of Robert Morris University, the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall is pleased to offer free tax help appointments starting in February.
How does it work? First, make sure that you qualify for the service. If you’re filing as an individual, you qualify if your total income in 2021 was $38,000 or less (not including Social Security). If you’re filing jointly, your total household income should be $58,000 or less. There are a few other minor restrictions, but when you call for an appointment we’ll walk you through them to make sure that you qualify. That’s also when we’ll make sure you know all of the documents you’ll need to bring.
When you call the library, you’ll sign up for two 30-minute appointments. At the first appointment, you’ll meet with a tax preparer and answer any questions they have for you. Then, the preparer will complete your tax return on their own, and the following week you’ll return for your second appointment, where you’ll review, sign and submit your return – it’s that simple.
We have appointments available on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., starting on Feb. 5 and ending on April 9. To sign up, call the library at 412-276-3456. We hope to hear from you – the appointments will fill up fast!
Tax help isn’t the only free financial service we’re offering in February. On Thursday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m., licensed realtor Solomon Rivers offers a class on repairing your credit score. Solomon will guide you through the world of credit repair, offering simple concrete steps that anyone can take to improve their credit. Your credit score can affect everything from credit cards to car loans to home mortgages – come find out how to make the most of it.
Finally, we describe the Carnegie Carnegie as “A Library & So Much More … ” I’d be remiss not to mention a wonderful upcoming performance, a Presidents Day tradition for us. The Duquesne Wind Symphony, led by conductor James Gourlay, presents Lincoln Portrait at 7 p.m. Feb. 21. This orchestral classic is a true American original, composed by Aaron Copland and featuring an oratory from some of Abraham Lincoln’s most powerful writings. Internationally known mezzo-soprano Marianne Cornetti presents the oratory in this performance. Purchase your tickets at www.CarnegieCarnegie.com – at only $15, you won’t want to miss what’s sure to be a deeply moving experience.
I hope to see you here!
Walker Evans is the library director at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall.