What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, March 22, 2025 ???

Saturday, March 22

* "Look Up" Gallery (Franklin Public Library during open hours) 

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:30am Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free) 

10:30am  Kat Chapman Concert! (Franklin Public Library)

12:00pm "A Mile for the Mind" (Franklin Sculpture Park)

1:00pm Saturday Sessions with George (Pour Richard's Wine & Provisions)

1:00pm Open House Downtown Preschool (Downtown Preschool)

7:00pm Jennifer Tefft (live music) (Bucatino, North Falmouth)

7:00pm An Evening of Short Plays (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:30pm (sold out) FPAC: Mel Brooks "The Producers" (THE BLACK BOX)

** NO Town Meetings today   **

-------------

Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2025: IRS warns taxpayers to watch out for dangerous threats

The Internal Revenue Service today (02/27/25) announced its annual Dirty Dozen list of tax scams for 2025 with a warning for taxpayers, businesses and tax professionals to watch out for common schemes that threaten their tax and financial information.

Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2025

Ranging from email schemes to misleading tax credits, many of the Dirty Dozen items peak during filing season as people prepare their tax returns. In reality, these scams can occur throughout the year as fraudsters look for ways to steal money, personal information and data.

The IRS' annual Dirty Dozen campaign lists 12 scams and schemes that threaten taxpayers. While the Dirty Dozen is not a legal document or a formal listing of agency enforcement priorities, the education effort is designed to raise awareness and protect taxpayers and tax pros from common tax scams and schemes.

“Scammers are relentless, and they use the guise of tax season to try tricking taxpayers into falling into a variety of traps. These red flags can lead to everything from identity theft to being misled into claiming tax credits for which they’re not entitled,” said Terry Lemons, IRS communications senior adviser. “For more than two decades, the IRS has highlighted the Dirty Dozen through far-reaching communications and education campaigns as part of a wider effort by the agency to protect taxpayers from being scammed.”

Continue reading about the "Dirty Dozen" at the IRS page ->

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-tax-scams-for-2025-irs-warns-taxpayers-to-watch-out-for-dangerous-threats

Tax Time Guide: Use Where’s My Refund? tool to track refund status via IRS

As millions of people file their 2024 tax returns, the Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers to use the Where’s My Refund? tool on IRS.gov to confirm receipt of their return and track a refund.

Tax Time Guide: Use Where’s My Refund? tool

Taxpayers who file electronically can typically use the Where’s My Refund? tool to check the status of a tax refund within 24 hours of filing. It takes about four weeks for the same information to be available for those filing paper returns.

The tool is available 24/7, and is a fast, easy way for taxpayers to get information about a refund without needing to call the IRS. The tool also allows taxpayers to access information about returns from tax years 2024, 2023 and 2022.

The online tool is mobile-friendly and can be accessed through the IRS2Go mobile app, where users also can find free tax help and make payments.

Continue reading abbout the Where's My Refund? tool at the IRS ->

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-time-guide-use-wheres-my-refund-tool-to-track-refund-status

Tax season 2025: where to find help

Tax season 2025: where to find help By BCP Staff Tax season is here and people have questions. Where to file? How to file? Can I file online? For free? For those answers, always start with the official IRS website at irs.gov. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/02/tax-season-2025-where-find-help?

The Franklin Public Library also offers tax assistence for those with income less than $67,000  https://franklinma.gov/266/Volunteer-Income-Tax-Assistance-VITA

Tax season 2025: where to find help

IRS Free File now open: Free tax filing service available to millions on IRS.gov

The Internal Revenue Service announced today (1/07/25) that the IRS Free File Guided Tax Software is now available for taxpayers ahead of the official start of tax season later this month.

IRS Free File now open

Starting January 10, the IRS Free File will begin accepting individual tax returns. Millions of taxpayers nationwide can access free software tools offered by trusted IRS Free File partners by visiting IRS.gov.

"The IRS remains committed to its partnership with Free File Inc. to ensure taxpayers have free and secure options for filing their taxes electronically," said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. "Taxpayers have multiple filing choices, including trusted tax professionals, tax software, Free File, Direct File or free preparation services through IRS partners. Over the years, Free File has helped millions of taxpayers, providing a fast and simple way to file their returns. This program continues to be a valuable resource for eligible individuals looking to file their taxes for free through this unique program."

Entering its 23rd filing season, IRS Free File is just one of many free options available to taxpayers for filing their tax returns, whether online or in person. This service is made possible through a public-private partnership between the IRS and Free File Inc. (formerly the Free File Alliance). As part of this partnership, tax preparation and filing software partners offer their online products to eligible taxpayers for free. To access these free tools, taxpayers must start from the IRS Free File page on IRS.gov.

This year, eight private-sector partners will provide online guided tax software products for taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $84,000 or less in 2024. Additionally, one partner will offer a product in Spanish.

Although the IRS official tax filing season begins later this month, IRS Free File providers will allow taxpayers to prepare and file returns now and hold them until they can be electronically filed on that date. Many other software companies offer a similar option.

Taxpayers with an AGI above $84,000 can use the Free File Fillable Forms (FFFF) starting January 27. These electronic versions of IRS paper forms are ideal for individuals who are comfortable preparing their own taxes using IRS instructions and publications.

Understanding IRS Free File

Each IRS Free File trusted partner establishes its own eligibility criteria based on age, income, state residency and military status.

Taxpayers with an AGI of $84,000 or less in 2024 can find an IRS Free File product; some providers include free state tax return preparation and filing. All partners offer active-duty military personnel with an AGI of $84,000 or less in 2024, free tax preparation and filing using IRS Free File.

Use IRS Free File to claim valuable tax credits if eligible

IRS Free File offers a simple, no-cost way for taxpayers to claim the full amount of tax benefits for which they're eligible, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit and other valuable credits. The EITC is available to qualified taxpayers with earned income under $66,819. The EITC Assistant, available in English and seven other languages, can help taxpayers determine if they qualify.

The EITC is just one of several refundable tax credits related to family and dependent care that individuals without a filing requirement may still be eligible to claim. Refundable tax credits allow taxpayers to receive a refund even if they owe no tax, or refundable credits can reduce the amount of tax owed, potentially leading to a refund. For more details on the EITC and other tax credits, visit Earned Income Tax Credit.

How to find the right IRS Free File product

Taxpayers are responsible for determining their eligibility for a free federal tax return from the list of trusted partners.

• Go to IRS.gov/freefile,
• Click on Explore Free Guided Tax Software button. Then select the Find a Trusted Partner tool for help in finding the right product, or
• Use the Browse All Trusted Partners tool to review each offer,
• Select the desired product, and
• Follow the links to the trusted partner's website to begin their tax return.

No computer? No problem. IRS Free File products support mobile phone access. Taxpayers can do their taxes on their smart phone or tablet.

IRS Free File participants

For 2025, the following trusted partners are participating in IRS Free File:

• 1040Now
• Drake (1040.com)
• ezTaxReturn.com
• FileYourTaxes.com
• On-Line Taxes
• TaxAct
• TaxHawk (FreeTaxUSA)
• TaxSlayer

For 2025, ezTaxReturn.com will provide an IRS Free File product in Spanish.

IRS Free File helps taxpayers save money and file their taxes quickly and easily. For more information or to get started on a tax return today, visit IRS Free File: Do your taxes for free.

Shared from the Press Release -> https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-free-file-opens-friday-free-tax-filing-service-available-to-millions-on-irsgov

IR-2024-99: Special Saturday help available April 13 at 70 IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers nationwide; no appointment needed

As the April 15 federal tax filing deadline nears, the Internal Revenue Service today announced it will open more than 70 Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) around the country on Saturday, April 13, for face-to-face help. This special help is available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time.

At TACs, people meet face-to-face with IRS employees to get help with tax account issues, such as authenticating someone's identity, asking about account adjustments and making payments by check or money order. The IRS plans one additional special Saturday opening on May 18.

"IRS employees have been working hard throughout this tax season to help taxpayers, and the special Saturday hours are one more way we've expanded our services," said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. "With the help of additional funding through the Inflation Reduction Act, we've been able to serve more taxpayers and provide additional assistance. For these special Saturday sessions, we encourage taxpayers to plan ahead so they have the right information. Frequently, taxpayers can get the help they need by visiting IRS.gov."

Before travelling to an office, the IRS encourages everyone to visit the event page IRS face-to-face Saturday help to get current information. The IRS notes representatives can't accept cash payments during the special Saturday openings, and tax return preparation is not an available service.

The IRS has online resources for many common tax situations, including several tools for making payments, getting an extension to file and setting up installment agreements. Taxpayers can make payments using their personal financial accounts, debit or credit cards and even digital wallets using tools on IRS.gov.

Tips for taxpayers planning a visit

Individuals should bring the following documents when they visit IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers:

• Current government-issued photo identification, along with a second form of identification for identity verification services.
• Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification numbers for themselves and all members of their household, including their spouse and dependents (if applicable).
• Any IRS letters or notices received and related documents.
• A copy or digital image of the tax return in question if one was filed.

The IRS noted that because appointments aren't necessary for these special Saturday hours, some locations may see high demand and wait times can be longer than usual. To help with this and avoid delays, the IRS encourages people to plan ahead, review key tips and come prepared with needed information. IRS employees will be working hard to serve as many people as quickly as possible.

Extended office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays

During the filing season, the IRS has also been providing extended office hours at many TACs nationwide. The added hours will end on Tuesday, April 16. To see if a nearby office is participating in the program, check its listing on the IRS/taclocator. Taxpayers can walk in or make appointments for service during extended hours. Cash payments are accepted during the additional office time, but taxpayers must have an appointment at a TAC currently accepting cash.

Taxpayer Assistance Center Office Locator

Normally, TACs are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and provide service by appointment only. To make an appointment, call 844-545-5640.

Services provided

The IRS's Contact Your Local Office site lists all services provided at specific TACs. Tax return preparation is not a service offered at IRS TACs during these events or any operating hours. The IRS will provide information to anyone needing to find free local tax preparation resources. Additionally, File your return on IRS.gov gives step-by-step information on how to file individual tax returns.

If someone has questions about a tax bill or IRS audit, or if they need help resolving a tax problem, they'll receive assistance from IRS employees specializing in those services. If these employees aren't available, the individual will receive a referral for these services. IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service employees may also be available to help with some issues.

Professional foreign language interpretation will be available in many languages through an over-the-phone translation service. For deaf or hard of hearing individuals who need sign language interpreter services, IRS staff will schedule appointments for a later date. Alternatively, these individuals can call TTY/TDD 800-829-4059 to make an appointment.

During the visit, IRS staff may also request the following information:

• A current mailing address,
• Proof of financial account information included on a tax return to receive payments or refunds by direct deposit.

Continue reading the full press release here ->   https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/special-saturday-help-available-april-13-at-70-irs-taxpayer-assistance-centers-nationwide-no-appointment-needed

FTC says H&R Block pressures people into overpaying for tax prep

FTC says H&R Block pressures people into overpaying for tax prep By Ari Lazarus People hate filing taxes, but they love getting something for free. So, when H&R Block advertises that people can use its online tax product for free, people listen. The problem, according to the FTC? It often isn't free. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/02/ftc-says-hr-block-pressures-people-overpaying-tax-prep FTC says H&R Block pressures people into overpaying for tax prep

Tax preparation help available at Library

VITA at the Franklin Public Library offers help preparing to file your income taxes. Stop by each Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Volunteers will help assess your needs and either schedule an appointment to process your taxes or maybe do them on the spot.

For more info visit https://www.franklinma.gov/adult-programs-services/pages/volunteer-income-tax-assistance

Shared from -> 

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3D-AX4v3MC/

National report ranks MA as #1 most improved in tax fairness

Primarily due to the passage of the Fair Share Amendment, a new national report finds that the Commonwealth is the top-ranking state for improvements in tax fairness. The middle class in Massachusetts pays a smaller share of their income in state + local taxes than in 32 other states. Today, the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) released "Who Pays?," the only distributional analysis of tax systems in all 50 states. The comprehensive 7th edition of the report ranks the progressivity and regressivity of state tax systems by measuring effective state and local tax rates paid by all income groups. Massachusetts's relative ranking among the 50 states (in terms of tax progressivity since 2022) improves several positions, the most of any state. This is overwhelmingly a result of the Fair Share Amendment. However, there is still work to be done. Massachusetts's top 1% still pay a lower share than the bottom 95%. With our tax system still regressive under current law, we can look to neighbors Maine, Vermont and New York for examples of states that have created fair (progressive) tax codes. Read more.  Read our summary ▶️Watch on YouTube: Phineas Baxandall speaks on the findings of ITEP's report The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) is a leading think tank advancing policy solutions to create an inclusive, thriving Commonwealth for all. Support our work today!

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 1 State Street, Suite 1250 , Boston, MA 02109 Sent by pbaxandall@massbudget.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Tax Preparation Help with VITA Registration Day January 20 - from 10 AM to 4 PM

Come to the library January 20th and get your appointment for Tax preparation help. This is a walk in event where volunteers will help you assess your needs, double check paperwork, and get you an appointment to file your taxes in February, March, or April.

The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:

• People who generally make $60,000 or less
• Persons with disabilities; and
• Limited English-speaking taxpayers

Tax Preparation Help with VITA Registration Day January 20 -  from 10 AM to  4 PM

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/tax-preparation-help-vita-registration-day

Tax relief package set for MA House/Senate votes Weds/Thur

"Hailing it as a historic win for taxpayers, Massachusetts lawmakers will begin voting Wednesday on a $1 billion tax package that would boost tax breaks for families, seniors, and others while slashing state taxes on profits from short-term investments, a change that had divided Democrats.

The package would save hundreds of thousands of taxpayers a collective $561 million this fiscal year, according to legislative officials, with expectations that the total savings would eventually climb to just over $1.02 billion once it goes into full effect in fiscal year 2027, which begins July 1, 2026.

Its emergence follows nearly two years of debate and months of closed-door negotiations about how best to ease the burden on taxpayers squeezed by the state’s rising cost of living and bring the tax code more into line with other states.

The House is expected to vote on the measure Wednesday, and the Senate on Thursday, and it is expected to pass and move on to Governor Maura Healey, who has championed the need for tax relief."

Continue reading the article (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/09/26/metro/massachusetts-tax-relief/

Senate President Karen E. Spilka and House Speaker Ronald Mariano (right) unveiled the tax relief deal during a press conference in the Senate Reading Room. PAT GREENHOUSE/GLOBE STAFF

Commonwealth Magazine provides their coverage ->

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/legislative-leaders-roll-out-generational-tax-package/

and here -> https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/tax-relief-bill-alters-refunds-under-tax-cap-law/

Talking Property Tax Data Insights with Max Morrongiello - 08/10/23 (audio)

FM #1049 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1049 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares some Mass Property Tax Data Insights as analyzed by Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV studio on Thursday, August 10, 2023.  

Max shares some insights from the linear regression analysis he performed with the available data from the US Census and Mass Dept of Revenue among other resources.

For example, Franklin property tax bills are about 4% less than the linear regression analysis would predict them to be.

The recording runs about 28 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Max on Thursday, August 10, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1049-property-tax-data-insights-08-10-23

--------------

Policy Brief on per pupil spending

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LP5fI1Gm0NKkUuAYaWTKF2HSadjfinNY/view?usp=drive_link 

Are Franklin’s taxes low?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LJHukt7tGB3-dTLWyX5NoIJE8J8jZib3/view?usp=drive_link 

Data files used for the analysis

Microsoft Excel format ->

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uQE3e2_4RSj3zZRQ-9p7biDI-3Kk6E6d/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=101938843903614700481&rtpof=true&sd=true 

Comma Separated Value format (CSV)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E90EFjLb0GkMrAFy75zXR7wqHHh5XgTV/view?usp=drive_link 

Info on JASP -> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JASP   and   https://jasp-stats.org/jasp-materials/ 

Max’s LinkedIn profile -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxmorrongiello/  

And specifically on metrics and statistical analysis -> Maxwell Metrics: Policy Analytics & Consulting

You can contact Max via email -> Max.Morrongiello @ gmail dot com

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley" . The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Talking Property Tax Data Insights with Max Morrongiello - 08/10/23 (audio)