Tuesday last day to file income taxes; volunteers provide assistance

For the taxpayer who is a true procrastinator, Emancipation Day is Abraham Lincoln’s gift to you.

The obscure holiday, celebrated in Washington, D.C., commemorates Lincoln’s signing of the Compensated Emancipation Act on April 16, 1862. It was declared a legal holiday in the District of Columbia in 2005. The Internal Revenue Service treats District of Columbia holidays like federal holidays when it comes to tax deadlines.

That wouldn’t matter in most years, when taxes are due April 15. But because the usual tax deadline falls on a Sunday this year, and is followed by Emancipation Day, the date of doom for taxpayers who owe money is today, Tuesday, April 17. The holiday also provided a reprieve to taxpayers in 2007.

The good news for those still not ready to file is that help is still available in Clark County. AARP Tax Help volunteers will be available to offer free income tax assistance at three Vancouver locations. Those locations are:

• Cascade Park Community Library, 600 N.E. 136th Ave., noon to 4 p.m.

• Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C N.E. Tenney Road, Vancouver, 1 to 5 p.m.

• Marshall Community Center, 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver, noon to 4 p.m.

Taxpayers can get help in preparing basic tax forms including itemized deductions for personal returns. The program is open to low- and moderate-income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 and older.

More information is available on the Fort Vancouver Library District website, http://www.fvrl.org/.