West Carrollton extends tax office hours for late filers

Tax help

Internal Revenue Service — (800) 829-1040

West Carrollton tax department— (937) 859-8288

Regular hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Extended tax office hours: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., April 14; 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., April 15.

WEST CARROLLTON — There’s still plenty of time, but for those West Carrollton residents who procrastinate in filing their income tax returns, there’s help.

The West Carrollton finance department is extending office hours on April 14 and April 15 to accommodate last-minute filers, said Finance Director Tom Reilly. But, Reilly said, “Lines can be long during this time. It’s a better idea to file early and avoid the wait.”

All residents, 18 and older, are required to file a city income tax return whether or not tax is owed and whether or not an income is earned.

“This includes students,” Reilly said.

Residents 65 and older are exempt from filing unless they have a form of income other than social security or retirement. He reminded that to avoid owing a $25 late filing fee, returns must be filed by April 15. Tax forms are available at the West Carrollton Civic Center tax department or at nearby libraries. Residents can also download forms at www.westcarrollton.org, where site visitors can use a tax calculator for assistance in filling out the returns. And while city staff can fill out city residents’ returns, they are not permitted to assist with federal and state returns, Reilly said.

But, he said, Volunteer Tax Assistance Program and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs are available to help older, disabled, low-income and non-English speaking people do state and federal income tax returns.