Free Tax Help!

Employees from the Department of Revenue and volunteers from free tax assistance groups will be at the UCC Library, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday, February 28 to guide you through electronically filing your federal and state income taxes for free using the new IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon options.

Computers & WiFi

The UCC Library offers the use of public computers and WiFi internet connections. Demand for computers will be high, so you are encouraged to bring your own if you have one.

Mobile Phones & Tablets

Both IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon are mobile friendly, so you can complete your return on your phone or tablet, as well.

Further Information

For more information on this program, please click here.

Here are some helpful tips to make your experience as productive and enjoyable as possible: 

Tip 1: Use the IRS’s eligibility checker prior to coming to the library. https://directfile.irs.gov/ 

You will not be eligible if you have any income from these sources:  

• Foreign income,  

• Dividends or Capital Gains,  

• Retirement (retirement income not from an IRA will be eligible starting in March),  

• Self-Employment and Gig economy (Uber Eats, Door Dash),  

• Rental Income,  

• Gambling or Lottery. 

Tip 2: Create an ID.me account if you do not have one for IRS. https://directfile.irs.gov/ (Before you begin, take a clear photo of your ID and save to your photo library.)  Watch this 5 Easy Steps to Register an ID.me Account with IRS video to learn how.  

• You must be at least 18 years old to create an ID.me account.  

• Address and phone number are editable but not the email address. 

Tip 3: Create a Revenue Online account if you do not have one for Department of Revenue. https://www.oregon.gov/dor/programs/individuals/Pages/direct_file_OR.aspx Watch this How to Set Up and Log In to Your Revenue Online Account for Individuals video to learn how. 

Tip 4: You will need access to your smartphone (text message) or email for verification purposes for both ID.me and Revenue Online.  

Tip 5: Bring all eligible documents.  

• Forms W-2 (wages from a job) 

• Forms 1099-G, 1099-INT (other income) 

• Form 1099-R (retirement income other than IRAs) will be supported later in March. 

• Form SSA-1099 (Social Security benefits) 

• Alaska Permanent Fund Dividends 

• Social security card or individual tax identification number for everyone on your tax return 

• Government picture ID for taxpayer and spouse if filing jointly (driver's license or passport) 

• Canceled check or bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit. 

• Last year's tax return 

Tip 6: Live support is available from IRS staff, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time inside IRS Direct File. If you have Oregon specific questions, please contact 503-378-4988 or 800-356-4222, or email: questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov 

Malcolm X: Murder In New York

On February 21st in 1965, human rights activist, Malcolm X was assassinated.

We use this day to honor his legacy and as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality.

Learn more about Malcolm X's work from documentaries such as Malcolm X: Murder In New York via one of our streaming media databases, Kanopy.

Fun fact: Kanopy is available to be streamed on all your digital devices, see this document for instructions and guidelines on how to do this. Don't forget to log in using your UCC ID# for access.

 Making Black America: Through the Grapevine

This four-hour series, hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., chronicles the vast social networks and organizations created by and for Black people-beyond the reach of the “White gaze.” Gates takes viewers into an extraordinary world that showcases Black people’s ability to collectively prosper, defy white supremacy and define Blackness in ways that transformed America itself.

Check out the trailer below, an then head on over and watch the series via Films on Demand, one of the UCC Library's streaming databases.  

Watch the series today by clicking here. Don't forget to use your UCC ID# to log in and gain access.

February is Black History Month

In 1986 the United States Congress passed, and President Ronald Reagan signed, Public Law 99-244, which formally established Black History Month as a federally designated observance. The month is honored with historical, cultural, and educational presentations in several countries with substantial Black minority populations. In the United States, Black History Month (sometimes also known as African American History Month) is observed during the month of February (Issit, 2024). 

Explore eBooks such as this one, Freedom facts & firsts: 400 years of the African American civil rights experience, using the UCC Library Discovery Search. Come to the UCC Library to learn more about black individuals throughout history.

References

Issitt, M. (2024, November 26). Black history month: Overview. In Points of view. Great Neck.

Wynn, L. T. (2009). Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, March (1965). In Freedom facts & firsts: 400 years of the African American civil rights experience (pp. 68-70). Visible Ink Press.