Patch Picks: Tax Preparation Resources in Bellevue

Haven't filed your taxes yet? Well, most people have until April 18* to send their 2010 federal income tax forms to the Internal Revenue Service. Here are some resources to help you get cracking -- and get that refund soon.

1. You can get help with your tax forms and make tax payments in person at the located at 520 112th Ave. NE in downtown Bellevue. The IRS just announced expanded weekend hours for Saturday, Feb. 26, and Saturday, March 26, to allow taxpayers to get help directly from the IRS on the weekend. The hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Also, remember that the IRS offers “Freefile” online filing using tax filing software to households that had an adjusted gross income of less than $58,000. Anyone can use the basic e-file forms available at www.irs.gov free of charge, regardless of income.

2.  shopping center is hosting a free tax preparation service, for households making less than $50,000. The event is sponsored by The United Way & Microsoft. The event runs Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., through April 14.

3. Tax assistance is available at the , from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays until April 16. There is no session on March 5. No appointment is needed, just report to room 3, on the day, to register.

4. Free tax help with translators is also available at Hopelink, 14812 Main St., on Tuesdays from 1  to 5 p.m. (English, Amharic, Farsi, Chinese, Russian); Thursdays from 1 to 9 p.m., (English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian); and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (English, Farsi, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Chinese, Russian). You need to bring bring photo identification and Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers for yourself, your spouse and your dependents, along with wage and earnings statements (W-2 forms) and other documentation.

5. Perhaps you would like to hire a private tax preparer? Look no further than the Bellevue Patch Directory to find dozens of local businesses that specialize in tax preparation and financial services.

* The traditional tax return filing deadline is April 15 of each year, but the IRS has approved April 18, 2011, as the tax filing deadline for 2010 Tax Returns and extension requests in observation of Emancipation Day in the District of Columbia.