A wide range of taxpayers can get help completing their tax returns and e-filing them for free next week from volunteers trained by the Oregon Department of Revenue.
Filing both 2024 federal and state income taxes with IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon is free and available for the first time this year.
Taxpayers who earned all their income in Oregon last year with incomes as high as $200,000 or more can get free help at the Tualatin Public Library from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Taxpayers who earned unreported income such as from tips or gig work, those who earned dividends reported on Form 1099-DIV or those who had capital gains or losses are not eligible for the federal free file option.
To take advantage of the free help, taxpayers have to do some work first. You’ll need to gather documents, and the revenue department asks that you create an account with both the federal and state revenue agencies.
Specifically, taxpayers should take these steps before arriving at the library:
>> Check to make sure you’re eligible for the federal and state free file programs. You can do that by using the IRS’s eligibility checker.
>> Gather identification documentation for every person on the return. You’ll need a government picture ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, for the taxpayer and, if filing jointly, the spouse as well. You’ll need Social Security or ITIN numbers for everyone on the return, including dependents.
>> Bring common tax documents. These can include W2 forms showing wages from a job, Form 1099 showing other kinds of income and Form SSA-1099, showing Social Security benefits.
>> Consider bringing other helpful, but optional, documents. These include a copy of last year’s returns and a canceled check or bank routing and account numbers to set up direct deposit of a refund.
The Oregon Department of Revenue requests that taxpayers set up accounts with the IRS through ID.me. You can watch this 5 Easy Steps to Register an ID.me Account with IRS video to learn how.
The agency also asks that taxpayers make sure they have a Revenue Online account before they come to the event. You can watch this How to Set Up and Log In to Your Revenue Online Account for Individuals video to learn how.
The Tualatin Public Library is located at 18878 S.W. Martinazzi Ave. It is the only Portland-area location with a free Oregon Department of Revenue-organized session this tax season.
Free help will also be offered in Salem on April 3 and in McMinnville on April 7.
Tax returns must be filed by April 15.
— Betsy Hammond oversees coverage of state politics and government as well as education, Portland City Hall, Multnomah County and homelessness. Reach her at betsyhammond@oregonian.com