Tax Forms & Tax Help

Tax forms, tax links, VITA tax assistance... it's that time again.

Money for Parents

New changes to the Child Tax Credit will help many families receive advance payments starting this summer. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 expands the Child Tax Credit for tax year 2021 only.

More information about Advanced Child Tax Credits, available in Summer 2021

Other tax information for parents

Get Paper Tax Forms From the Library

The forms below are typically available from mid-February through May. We keep a few for longer, so if you are doing late (or last year's) taxes, it's always worth asking. Most forms not on this list can be printed for you at 10 cents per page.

IRS Federal Income Tax Forms

  • IRS 1040 Forms Packet, has Schedules 1, 2, & 3   
  • IRS 1040 Instruction Book
  • IRS 1040 Forms Packet in Spanish, has Schedules 1, 2, & 3 
  • IRS 1040 Instruction Book in Spanish

California  Income Tax Forms

  • CA 540 Booklet (includes forms)
  • CA 540 NR Booklet (includes forms)
  • CA 540 2-EZ Booklet (includes forms)
  • CA 540 2-EZ Spanish Booklet (includes forms)

If you need forms beyond the ones listed on this page, use the button below to get them, or call your local library.

Request Additional Tax Forms

Get tax forms.

Do You Qualify for Golden State Stimulus Money?

If you get the California Earned Income Credit, or if you file with an ITIN and made $75,000 or less, you might qualify. Read more about it here.

Do You Need to Change Your Withholding?

Make sure your employer withholds the right amount for next year.  While you have your tax information in hand, you may wish to visit the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator.

Beware of tax scammers

They may try to take advantage of the pandemic or a stimulus payment. Do not believe a telephone caller who pretends to be the IRS and tries to frighten you into sending money or revealing personal information. Be wary of  emails as well.

It can be hard to understand what the IRS is trying to tell you.

What Is That Letter From the IRS About, Anyway?

How to understand mail from the IRS.

Getting a little tax help can put money back in your piggie bank!

About VITA Free Volunteer Tax Preparation



Volunteer tax preparers go through a thorough training provided by the IRS. Then, they give their time to help neighbors and community members file taxes correctly, and get any tax credits they are eligible for.

In 2019, this program brought more than $9 million dollars in tax refunds back to residents in Humboldt, Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, and Del Norte counties.

Sponsors include the Humboldt County Library, the Redwood Action Agency, and United Way of the Wine Country, as well as many other local participating groups.
A steaming cup of tea, or perhaps coffee.

What Your Federal & California Taxes Pay For - Enter What You Paid Last Year & See What Your Money Paid For

Pie Charts of Federal Spending and Revenue