Services

AARP is providing in-person tax preparation services at the O’Fallon Public Library! Appointments are 100% free and are provided by AARP's Tax-Aide program. You do not need to be a senior or a library member to take advantage of this program.  

Once your appointment is scheduled, please download and complete the Intake and Interview sheet (see below) before your appointment. Fill it out to the best of your ability in advance.  We can take care of any remaining details when you arrive. The form may be completed online and printed, printed and filled out by hand, or picked up in paper form at the library.

Please ensure that you have all the documents required to complete your return before the scheduled appointment. Don’t wait until the night before your appointment to begin gathering the information as it may take some time.  See the Document Checklist below for a comprehensive list. You only need the items that apply to your situation. Additionally, please download any of the worksheets that apply to you. They will help you gather the needed information. 

Use the lists below to get all your ducks in a row before your appointment.

Required

• INTAKE/INTERVIEW PACKET (click to download and print, or pickup hard copy at the library). [Click here for Spanish language version]
• All correspondence received from the IRS and your state/local taxing authority.
• Social Security cards and/or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number notices/cards or other official documentation that show the taxpayer identification numbers for every individual on your return.
• Government-issued photo ID for each taxpayer.
• Checking or savings account information if you want to direct-deposit any refund(s) or direct-debit any amounts due.

Note: Your Medicare card is NOT a Social Security Card but we can use the 1099SA form from the Social Security Administration with the numbers if you can’t find your card.

Income

• W-2 forms for each employer.
• 1099-G form for unemployment compensation or state/local income tax refunds.
• SSA-1099 form showing the total Social Security benefits paid to you for the year, or RRB-1099, Tier 1 railroad retirement benefits form.
• 1099 forms (or other statements) reporting interest (1099-INT), dividends (1099-DIV) and/or proceeds from sales (1099-B), plus documentation showing the original purchase prices if you sold stocks or other assets.
• 1099-R form if you received a pension, annuity or IRA distribution.
• 1099-MISC, 1099-K or other 1099 forms. If you have a business, bring a summary list of all your income (cash and noncash) and all business-related expenses.
• Information about any other income of any form, including cash.
• Tax document that you may have received from your state.

Payments

• Records of any federal and/or state and/or local income tax paid (including quarterly estimated tax payments) if not shown on income documents.

Deductions

Most taxpayers have a choice of taking either a standard deduction or itemizing their deductions. You need to have more itemized deductions than the standard deduction. If you have a substantial amount of deductions, you may want to itemize. If so, bring the following information:

• 1098 form showing home mortgage interest.
• A summary list of medical/dental/vision expenses, including doctor and hospital bills and medical insurance premiums, prescription medicines, assisted living services, long-term insurance and bills for medical-related home improvements such as ramps and railings for people with disabilities.
• Summary of cash and noncash contributions to charity.
• Property tax bills paid during the year (frequently shown on mortgage statement).
• 1095-A forms if you purchased insurance through the marketplace (exchange).

Credits/Adjustments

• Dependent care provider information — name, address, telephone number and employer ID or Social Security number and amount paid to provider.
• 1098-T form for education expenses plus statement of account from the educational institution showing tuition and fees actually paid and scholarships, grants, etc. received. Bring a summary of any other education expenses.
• 1098-E form for student loan interest.

Tax Preparation Worksheets

Worksheets to help you compile your tax data are provided below. These may aid you in collecting the necessary data to complete your tax return. If you complete the appropriate worksheets and bring them with you to your tax preparation appointment, it will save the preparer time and effort in completing your return. Click on the name to access the worksheet.

• Itemized deductions (Schedule A) worksheet​
• Education credits worksheet
• Self-Employment income/expenses (Schedule C) worksheet
• Qualified overtime deduction worksheet
• Qualified tip deduction worksheet for employees
• Qualified tip deduction worksheet for self-employed
• Qualified vehicle loan interest worksheet

Before your appointment, please take a moment to review the following disclaimers and reminders:

• If you are sick, please cancel your appointment, rather than show up and make someone sick. We will attempt to get you rescheduled if possible
• You will receive a reminder text from an AARP Volunteer one week prior to the appointment. Please respond to the text so that Volunteers can ensure appointments are filled for maximum participation
• Please cancel your appointment if you no longer need it or can’t make it, whether health related or not. That way we may be able to get someone else in and avoid wasting resources
• You have probably seen and heard the terms “no tax on tips”, “no tax on overtime”, and “no tax on Social Security.” Be aware that all of these are taxable to some extent. Under the tax law you may be able to exclude a portion of these types of income, but at certain income levels some of it may be taxed
• It would benefit us all if you would remove the documents from the envelopes they came in and sort them by income, payments, credits, and deductions
• There are some things we are not permitted by the IRS to do. We cannot complete returns with rental property, business income with a loss or with employees, anything having to do with cryptocurrency, even if there were no transactions involved. There are more but these are the most common

Getting your taxes done doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Below, you’ll find links to the most commonly used federal and state tax forms, along with other resources to make the process easier.

Federal Tax Forms

Visit the IRS Forms and Instructions page to access:

• Form 1040 and instructions
• Schedule 1 through 3
• Additional forms for itemized deductions, credits, and more

Illinois Tax Forms

Need state-specific forms? Find what you need on the Illinois Department of Revenue page, including:

• State income tax return forms
• Payment vouchers
• Guidance for filing online

Other Helpful Resources

• IRS Free File: File your federal taxes for free if you qualify. Learn more at IRS Free File.
• Taxpayer Advocate Service: If you need help resolving tax issues, the Taxpayer Advocate Service may be able to assist you. Learn more here.

Did you know you can complete your passport application through the library? You can!  Appointments are generally available every day except Sundays.  We'll help you navigate the process and get you out the door in a friendly and efficient manner.  Book your appointment now.

Unsure of which form to complete? What other documents do you need? Start by answering a few basic questions and find out.

• Choosing the right form
• Fillable and Printable forms

You must bring your own passport photo with you at the time of application. Places such as Walgreens or CVS provide this service.

• Photo Requirements and Recommendations

Depending on your situation, fees can vary. Use the calculator below to find out what your expenses will be.

• Fee Calculator

Application Fee and any Additional Services Fees:

• Checks (personal, certified, cashier's, traveler's) and money orders payable to "U.S. Department of State"
• Credit and debit cards CANNOT be accepted

$35 Execution (Acceptance) Fee Paid Separately:

• Checks (personal, certified, cashier's, traveler's) and money orders payable to "O'Fallon Public Library" 
• Cash
• Credit and debit cards

Below is a list of items you'll need for your appointment:

• Completed Form DS-11 (or other relevant forms)
• Evidence of Citizenship (such as a birth certificate)
• Valid Photo ID
• Acceptable Photo
• Form of payment (the application fee and execution fee are paid separately)

To learn more about each item listed above, visit Travel.State.Gov.

You can check the status of your passport application either online or over the phone.  Visit Travel.State.Gov for all the Application Status details.

• 3D print requests must be submitted using the Library’s online 3D Print Request Form (below).
• Only .stl files are accepted.
• Staff will review each submission to ensure it complies with the Library’s 3D Printing Policy and the Capabilities & Limitations listed below.
• If the file is eligible, staff will calculate the estimated cost and email the patron for confirmation.
• No print will begin until the patron confirms the total cost.
• Files will be printed exactly as submitted. Staff cannot alter, repair, or modify designs.

The Library’s 3D printer has maximum size, resolution, and time limitations.

• Maximum print dimensions: 230mm × 230mm × 230mm
• Maximum estimated print time: 8 hours
• Color options: Black, Blue, Green, Red, White
• Material type: PLA

Most print jobs are completed within three business days, depending on demand and staff availability.  

When demand is high, the Library may limit the number of prints per patron per day.

• In general, print jobs are processed in the order they are received.
• Staff may use discretion to batch similar jobs together for efficiency (e.g., multiple small prints, similar filament colors).
• Staff will notify patrons by email if delays are expected.

The cost of each print includes:

• $1.00 flat fee per print, plus
• $0.20 per gram of material used (calculated by slicing software).

Additional details:

• Staff will email the total cost before printing begins.
• Once printing is complete, the fee will be added to the patron’s library account.
• Payment is made at the time of pickup.
• Patrons are responsible for print costs even if the object does not turn out as expected due to model design flaws.
• If a print fails due to machine or filament error, staff will attempt to reprint at no charge.

• Completed prints must be picked up within one week of notification.
• Items not picked up within that timeframe become the property of the Library.
• Patrons will be notified of completion by email.
• Prints may be picked up at: Youth Services Desk

• Submitted files are used solely for the purpose of printing.
• Files are deleted from the Library’s systems once printing is complete.

Court Access Library Center

The O’Fallon Public Library is proud to introduce a Court Access Center, a resource designed to help patrons navigate the legal system. Whether you need assistance finding legal information, completing court forms, or understanding the process, this service is here to support you.

This partnership with Illinois courts aims to reduce barriers by providing access to legal resources in a convenient and welcoming space. Our goal is to make these tools accessible to everyone, especially those facing challenges with technology or transportation.

Types of cases we can assist with:

• Divorce and Child Custody
• Domestic Violence
• Wills, Trusts, and Estates
• Housing
• Consumer Debt

Keep in mind:

Staff members cannot provide you with legal advice. If you are looking for legal advice, please contact an attorney. A staff member can help you identify an appropriate resource. 

• Provide general information about court rules, terms, and procedures.
• Provide information and technical assistance to allow you to appear remotely before the Court.
• Instruct how to electronically file (e-file) court documents or get an exemption from e-filing.
• Inform you about free or low-cost legal help.
• Help you identify what court forms you may need for your case and explain how to fill them out.
• Guide you on how to ask to waive your court fees.
• Help you to get an interpreter.
• Inform you on how to obtain reasonable accommodations for a disability.

• Provide information about a case in violation of an order, statute, or rule.
• Represent you in court, including via Zoom or other remote technology.
• Refer you to a lawyer or firm that charges fees. Give you legal advice or represent you in court.
• Fill out a form for you unless you are unable to complete it yourself due to a disability, a literacy barrier, or limited English proficiency.
• Give an opinion about what will happen in court.
• Tell you if a case should be started or help you decide how to handle your case.

Land of Lincoln Legal Aid

Help with civil cases.

877-342-7891 or lincolnlegal.org

Illinois Legal Aid

Referral system to find legal help.

312-554-2001 or illinoislegalaid.org/get-legal-help

Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network (IL-AFLAN)

Help for service members, veterans,and reservists plus their spouses and dependents.

855-452-3526 or ilaflan.org

Cabrini Green Legal Aid Clinic

Legal services for individuals impacted by the criminal legal system with expungement, sealing, housing law and family law issues.

312-738-2452 or cgla.net

Eviction Help of Illinois

Help, mediation and referrals to rental assistance for eviction cases.

855-631-0811 or evictionhelpillinois.org

Illinois Council for Health Justice

Legal services for individuals facing barriers due to illness or disability.

855-631-0811 or legalcouncil.org

Illinois Court Help

Illinois Court Help is a free service provided by the Supreme Court of Illinois. We assist court users in navigating the state’s legal system by offering information and resources. Their goal is to help individuals understand court processes, find legal assistance, and access relevant documents and forms so they can better participate in court.

833-411-1121 or ilcourthelp.gov

Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO)

Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO) is a free, unbiased resource that provides legal help for civil legal problems in Illinois.

illinoislegalaid.org

ISBA Illinois Lawyer Finder

Prices and services may vary.

800-922-8757 or isba.reliaguide.come/home

Legal Information Reference Center

Legal Information Source is a database designed to assist the public in understanding the complex world of law and legal matters of all kinds. It includes exclusive full text for many top consumer legal reference books, as well as thousands of legal forms.

Start browsing

The library has four study rooms available for public use.  Two are located on the first floor and two on the second floor.  These rooms are great for group work, tutoring, virtual meetings, and the like.  

• Schedule online or with a staff member for 1- or 2-hour blocks
• Please limit yourself to two reservations per day
• Room occupant limits are as follows: Study Room A (4), Study Room B (6), Quiet Room (4), Conference Room (10)
• More than 15 minutes late? The room may be given to another group
• At least one person in the group must be 16 years of age or older
• Rooms are not soundproof. Please be aware of your noise level
• Rooms can be booked up to 2 weeks in advance

Homebound Delivery is a free service offered to O'Fallon Public Library cardholders who are unable to make it to the library due to mobility, health, or disability barriers. Whether you are at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing facility, we can deliver to you.

Will someone call from the Library to discuss items that I may be interested in?

Once you complete the application, the Homebound Coordinator will contact you to discuss all the details and answer any question, as well as help with suggestions based off of your application.

How long can I borrow the items you bring me?

The lending period for O'Fallon Public Library items through the homebound program is flexible, generally 4 weeks. You can renew your materials one time.  Materials not available at the time of request will be placed on reserve and delivered when they become available. Please note that there may be waiting lists for new and/or popular items.

What materials are available?

The library has a large collection of large print and regular print books, as well as many audiobooks, magazines, movies and music that we can deliver.

When will you be delivering materials?

Once we have discussed what materials you are interested in, we will schedule a time to visit your home to deliver materials. Home visits are scheduled on the 2nd Wednesday of every month.

How do I return items?

Materials will be delivered to and picked up from each participant’s residence by the Homebound Coordinator.  Simply have your returns ready to go and we will pick them up when we drop off new items.

How do I sign up?

If you (or someone you know) could benefit from this service, simply FILL OUT THIS FORM or give us a call at 618-206-4345.

Discover a wealth of local support and services with our Community Resources Guide. Whether you're seeking help with education, housing, or social assistance, this guide connects you to essential resources in our area. Empower yourself with information and access the help you need, all conveniently compiled in one accessible resource. 

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a beloved book-gifting program that delivers a free, high-quality book each month to children from birth to age five. Every child in the 62269 zip code is eligible—no cost, no catch.

The Friends of the Library, in partnership with Ready Readers, fund this magical program through book sales and generous donations like yours.

Your support helps spark a lifelong love of reading—one book, one child, one month at a time.

Do you know a child under five living in the 62269 area? They’re eligible to receive a free book every month from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library—no strings attached!

Register a child today by completing this quick online form.

All it takes is $25 to mail a child one book per month for an entire year. The Friends of the Library currently have over 700 local kids enrolled, with hopes of increasing that number as donations and fundraising initiatives allow. Your generous gift helps us fulfill this mission.

Donate today to help us put more books into the hands of local kids and build a stronger, more literate future for all.

A gift to our Annual Campaign helps support this important initiative.

Ways to Give:

• Text ofallon25 to 44321
• Visit ofpl.info/donate

You can also mail a check to:

Friends of the O'Fallon Public Library
120 Civic Plaza
O'Fallon, IL  62269

We'd love to hear from you.  Please email [email protected] or call 618-206-4342.

Explore More Illinois allows cardholders from participating RAILS, IHLS and CPL public libraries to reserve free and discounted admission, parking, and gift store purchases from cultural and recreational attractions in Illinois, including museums, cultural centers, zoos, aquariums, gardens, historical societies, park districts, and more.

Simply visit https://exploremore.quipugroup.net/?ofallon and log in using your O'Fallon Public Library card (all 13 digits, no spaces).  The password should default to the last 4 digits of your phone number.  Reach out if you have any trouble logging in.  

The library has at least one notary scheduled during normal business hours, except in the event of an unplanned absence. You may call 618-632-3783 to verify a notary's availability prior to your visit.  All signers will need a valid photo ID.

Notary service is not available for:

1. Deeds, mortgages, or other real estate closing documents. These documents can require technical or legal knowledge that is beyond the scope of our service.
2. Copy certification (ie birth and marriage certificates)
3. USCIS Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification
4. Documents written in languages the notary does not read
5. Documents with blank spaces 

Staff Notaries are not attorneys licensed to practice law, may not give legal advice about immigration or any other legal matter, and may not accept fees for legal advice.

If you are not yet registered to vote in Illinois or need to update your registration, you can complete an online voter registration application.

To vote in Illinois:

• You must be a United States Citizen.
• You must be 17 years old on or before the date of the Primary Election and turn 18 on or before the date of the General or Consolidated Election.
• You must live in your election precinct at least 30 days prior to Election Day.
• You must not be serving a sentence of confinement in any penal institution as a result of a conviction.
• You may not claim the right to vote anywhere else.

You have questions, we can help!

• Am I registered to vote?
• Where is my polling place?
• Who are my elected officials?

St. Clair County Early Voting/Grace Period Registration Dates and Locations 

Information including dates and locations for early voting and grace period registration. 

Updated 9/11/2024

St. Clair County Clerk's Office

General election information for St. Clair County.

Vote by Mail Application

Voter Information Menu

State Board of Elections

Ballotpedia 

Provides information on candidates, individual races and ballot measures based on your address.

Campus Vote Project

Voting resources for university and community college students.

Mis/Dis Information Task Force

Guide to identifying misinformation and disinformation as well as how to disengage from it.

Open Secrets

Find information campaign donors, political action committees, and how candidates spend campaign money.

USA GOV

National voting and elections information.

Vote411

Provides information on the registration and voting process in addition to personalized voting information for upcoming elections.

Vote Smart

Find information about politicians including voting record, past speeches, funding sources, and interest group ratings. Voter registration and ballot measure information is also available. 

The County Clerk’s office has implemented the Voter Integrity Hotline. If you have any questions or comments concerning the voting process in St. Clair County, please call or email:

• 618-825-2366
• [email protected]