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University at Buffalo Libraries

2012 Tax Quick Guide

Looking for tax forms and hints? This brief guide provides selected links to federal and state forms, and tips offered by tax professionals. Consult Taxes at http://libweb.lib.buffalo.edu/guide/guide.asp?ID=34 for more detail.

Disclaimer: Library staff lack training as tax professionals and cannot answer tax-related questions. Use the links on this Web site at your own risk. Consult a qualified professional if you need assistance preparing tax returns. Consult the Tax Clinics section below to see if you are eligible for free tax services.

The following documentation is usually required when completing taxes:

  • Social Security number.
  • Identification.
  • Date of birth for you, spouse and dependents.
  • Wage and earning statement(s), Forms W-2 and 1099, from all employers.
  • Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099).
  • A copy of last year's federal and state tax returns if available.
  • Bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit.

Those purchasing services from tax professionals should be aware of the Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers (http://www.tax.ny.gov/tp/cbr/default.htm).

Federal Taxes

Forms and Publications (U.S. Internal Revenue Service)
http://www.irs.gov/Forms-&-Pubs
Links to federal tax forms and background documentation. Coverage begins with 1990.

State Taxes

New York State Tax Forms (New York State. Department of Taxation and Finance)
http://www.tax.ny.gov/
Provides information for individual and business taxes, plus links for tax professionals and the media.

State Tax Department Websites (Drake Software)
http://www.1040.com/state-taxes/state-tax-department-websites/
Links to tax Web sites of all 50 states.

Tax Tips (See the disclaimer above)

Federal Tax Guide (Drake Software)
http://www.1040.com/federal-taxes/
Covers filing basics, income, withholding, dependents, tax credits, deductions, refunds, tax payments, IRS tax calendar, and tax tips. This site also includes online calculators, a tax estimator, and fee-based online tax services.

H & R Block

  • Tax Preparation Checklist: What You’ll Need to File
    http://www.hrblock.com/offices/tax-preparation-checklist.html
    A tax preparation checklist for individuals covers:

    Personal Information
    Other people who may belong on your return
    Education Payments
    Employee Information
    Self-Employment Information
    Vehicle Information
    Rental Income
    Retirement Income
    Savings and Investments
    Other Income
    Itemizing Deductions
    IRA
    Information If you were affected by a federally declared disaster

  • Small Business Tax Prep Checklist: What You'll Need to File
    http://www.hrblock.com/offices/small-business-tax-preparation-checklist.html

    Income
    Transportation and Travel Expenses
    Additional Expenses, such as Advertising
    Commissions paid to subcontractors
    Depreciation
    Fringe benefits
    Business insurance
    Interest expense
    Office supplies
    Rent expense
    Office-in-home
    Wages paid to employees
    Other expenses

  • Tax Tips and Calculators
    http://www.hrblock.com/free-tax-tips-calculators/index.html
    Includes a 2012 tax estimator, a form that asks tax questions, tax articles, a tax blog, and the latest tax advice.

Tax Credit Reporting Service for Students (Affiliated Computer Services, Inc.)
http://www.1098-t.com/
Intended to help students determine their eligibility for the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning tax credits.

Tax Information For Individuals (U.S. Internal Revenue Service)
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/index.html

Tax Tools (Drake Enterprises)
http://www.1040.com/tax-tools
Includes a tax estimator, tax calculators, and related publications, forms, and worksheets.

TaxAct.com (Story Software, Inc.)
http://www.2ndstorysoftware.com
Download free software for completing basic federal tax forms, and purchase software for completing more complicated federal returns and state forms. The Tax Info tab offers advice about children and dependents; vehicles; higher education; and homeowners.  Additional miscellaneous topics pertain to tax holidays; deductions; mileage rates; educator expenses; the alternative minimum tax (AMT); employer-provided educational assistance; and estate, capital gains; and dividend tax rates.

Your Federal Income Tax For Individuals, Tax Guide 2011. Publication 17 (U.S. Internal Revenue Service)
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p17.pdf
A comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of federal income taxes.

Tax Clinics

2013 Free Tax Preparation (State University at Buffalo. School of Management)
http://mgt.buffalo.edu/about/community/school/highlights/taxprep/2013freetaxprep
Individuals and families with annual incomes less that $50,000 receive assistance from IRS-certified School of Management students.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Locator
http://www.aarp.org/applications/VMISLocator/searchTaxAideLocations.action
Enter your zip code to locate places that offer tax services to the elderly and to those with limited incomes.

CASH Coalition of Buffalo in collaboration with the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County
Call 888-696-9211 to make an appointment for free tax consultations or for referrals to other tax services. Appoints are limited to those earning less than $51,000 annually.

International Student and Scholar Services (University at Buffalo)
http://wings.buffalo.edu/intlservices/tax.html
Provides basic Webcasts and other basic information international students need to complete their federal and state taxes.  Call 716-645-2258 if you have questions.

Myfreetaxes.com (Walmart)
http://myfreetaxes.com/
Enter your zip code and indicate how far you are willing to travel to a tax consultant.

Tax Preparation
http://www.cashbuffalo.org/sitepages/RESOURCES_tax_prep.html

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) andTax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Programs (U.S. Internal Revenue Service)
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html
A directory to IRS certified volunteers who provide free tax services for qualified individuals. VITA helps those earning less than $51,000. TCE assists everyone, but offers priority to those over 60 years old.