The Oregon Department of Revenue is stepping up to offer assistance to taxpayers looking to navigate the often daunting world of electronic tax filing. A dedicated event will be hosted at the Salem Public Library, where volunteers from the department will be available to help individuals use the free IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon platforms. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, at the library's location at 585 Liberty Street SE in Salem, according to the Oregon Department of Revenue's announcement.
Before coming to the library to get help, taxpayers should check their eligibility for using IRS Direct File using the IRS’s online checker. Certain types of income, such as dividends on Form 1099-DIV and capital gains or losses, aren't supported by the system. What's more, pension income on Form 1099-R will only be supported starting later in March. Taxpayers eager to quickly complete their returns should create an IRS online account beforehand, requiring an ID.me sign-up process for those without one. A Revenue Online account is also a useful tool for those who want to import their federal return information directly into Direct File Oregon and can be set up via a link on the department’s website.
An estimated 44,000 people in Salem and Keizer, and another 18,000 in Marion County, could benefit from this service. The Oregon Department of Revenue highlights the opportunity to claim significant federal and state tax credits for low-income families, noting that nearly 25 percent of eligible Oregon taxpayers are not claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This has led to a substantial amount of unclaimed credits, with one organization estimating about $100 million left on the table in 2020.
Individuals planning to attend the event are reminded to bring several key documents. These include identification, such as a social security card or ITIN for every person on the tax return, and government-issued photo ID for the taxpayer and spouse if filing jointly. Income and tax documents are also necessary, including forms like W2s, various 1099s, and SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits. For those opting for direct deposit, a canceled check or bank routing and account numbers should be brought along too. Last year’s tax return, while optional, can still help to definitively streamline the process. To stay up-to-date on tax-related matters, Oregonians are also encouraged to sign up for the "Oregon Tax Tips" newsletter, a resource aimed at keeping residents in the loop on filing procedures and valuable tax credits.
