FHS girls basketball gets past Holy Name to book place in D1 Central Final

Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap for the FHS girls basketball team win vs. Holy Name in the D1 Central playoffs.

"At the end of the first quarter in Tuesday night’s Div. 1 Central semifinal at WPI’s Harrington Auditorium, Franklin coach John Leighton brought his undefeated team together and explained that even though the Panthers had just played one of their worst quarters of the season they only trailed by six and had plenty of time to rebound.

“Holy Name is a tremendous team,” Leighton said after the game. “They came to play. I thought they got the jump on us in the first quarter, but at the end of the quarter we said okay that’s probably the worst quarter we’ve played in a very long time and we’re in the game.”

Things improved markedly in the second quarter to pull Franklin within one of Holy Name at the half and then the Panthers found their stride in the third quarter. After scoring 21 points in 16 minutes in the first half, Franklin poured in 21 points in the third quarter alone to turn a one-point deficit into a 13-point lead.

Thanks to that big third quarter, Franklin pulled out a 59-42 win over the Naps. It was the third win of the season for the Panthers against Holy Name and sends them back to the Central final for the second year in a row, this time to face Natick."

Continue reading the game recap:
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-girls-basketball-finds-second-gear-to-book-place-in-final/

For a photo gallery from this game:
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Winter-2019-2020/Franklin-Holy-Name-Girls-Basketball-3-3-20/

Franklin junior guard Erin Quaile helped to shut down Holy Name’s star guards Jaini Edmonds and Grace O’Gara, as the Panthers advanced to the Div. 1 Central final. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Get Involved/Volunteer: High School Teens

Teen Corps Free Leadership and 

Job Training Program Kicking off at the YMCA

The Teen Corps Program, which is a free 10 week leadership training and volunteer program providing extensive training and work experiences to youth will launch March 12th at the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Bernon Family Branch in Franklin. All area high school teens are invited to participate.

Teen Corps Program

Teen Director Ross Gemba will hold a parent information meeting next week: on Thursday, March 5, 2020 from 6:30-7:00 p.m. at the Franklin Y (45 Forge Hill Road). Teen Corps focuses on keeping the Y's up-and-coming leaders connected with each other and spreading values into our communities. TCs meet weekly to be trained in areas including: best practices when applying for a job, dressing for success, working with children, and more. You will earn 40 hours of work experience and 10 hours of training. An ideal program for teens who aspire to become YMCA staff in the near future or are forming a resume for post-high school plans and acceptance into clubs.

Job Training Program

Train with co Teen Corps participants on Thursdays starting 3/12/20 (6:30PM-7:30PM) in: CPR & First Aid, Resume Bootcamp, Customer Service 101, Landing the Job, and more. Participants will be expected to attend all events and do four hours weekly of in-YMCA volunteering; this is a great way to learn skills from multiple departments. Runs 10 weeks (no meeting on 4/23) at the Franklin Y.

Questions may be directed to Ross Gemba at rossg@hockymca.org or by calling the YMCA at 508-528-8708.

About the Hockomock Area YMCA:
Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

Franklin Odd Fellows: “Taming Technology for Community Members” - March 18

Presenter: Kevin Martin of “Nerds to Go” of Franklin

Date/Time: Wednesday, March 18, 2020. 6:30 pm

Location: Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St., Franklin, MA

Talk Content:
At a time when our community might reap the benefits of the Internet and technology to keep in touch with grandchildren, classmates and long-time friends, they are often leery of the new electronic landscape. From computers to smart phones to smart speakers - people can get overwhelmed!

The Franklin Odd Fellows are hosting an informal presentation on “Taming Technology for Community Members”. Kevin Martin will explore how to stay safe on the Internet and enjoy some of the key components and resources.

Martin has more than two decades of experience working in technology – from advanced electronics in submarines in the U.S. Navy to IT executive positions in the private sector.

The Internet offers a boundless amount of useful and interesting information and access to the world. Unfortunately, technology is also a daunting new landscape to many people. This presentation is intended to outline both the security and scope of technology.

For more about Nerds to Go  -  www.nerdstogo.com
For more about the OddFellows  -  www.franklinmassoddfellows.org

“Taming Technology for Community Members” - March 18

FM #214 Superintendent's Recommended Budget for FY2021 (audio)

FM #214 -This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 214 in the series.

The School Committee meeting of Tuesday, Feb 25, 2020 featured, among other items, the first look at the school budget for FY 2021. Remember, we are currently operating in FY 2020 which runs through June 30, 2020. The Fiscal Year 2021 budget will provide funding for the next school year as it covers July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021.

The Superintendent's Recommended budget came out of the gate asking reasonably for the critical needs to be met. Some several hundred thousands of other requirements didn't make the 'critical' cut. There is another $1.2M in unmet needs NOT included in the budget as shown.

The math problem comes into this as the whole of Franklin's budget can only grow about $3M. So even if the critical needs budget was desired, and ALL of the $3M went to the schools. One, that leaves police, fire, DPW, Library with no increase for anything over what they had least year. Two, that also means $900K of the critical needs doesn't make the budget this year.

Of course, the gap will get resolved before the budget is finalized in June, the real question is how. What and where will the cuts come from? Expecting $3M to be 'found' is unrealistic.

Both School Committee Chair Anne Bergen and Superintendent Ahern outline that this is the start of the budget process. The last page of the presentation doc (shared here so you can follow along) provides the next steps timeline.
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/fps-fy-2021-superintendents-recommended-budget

The budget discussion segment of the meeting runs approximately 35 minutes so without further ado, let’s listen as Superintendent Ahern and School Business Manager Miriam Goodman present the first look at the school budget for FY 2021.  Audio file -https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HWPDngJX




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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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 this, 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/
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"

screen capture of a budget slide during the meeting presentation

Franklin Board Of Health - Agenda - March 4, 2020.

Franklin Board Of Health

Duly Scheduled Meeting And Public Hearing Wednesday, March 4, 2020, 5:00 PM - Room 106

AGENDA

THIS MEETING IS BEING RECORDED. THE LISTING OF MATTERS ARE THOSE REASONABLY ANTICIPATED BY THE CHAIR WHICH MAY BE DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING. NOT ALL ITEMS LISTED MAY IN FACT BE DISCUSSED AND OTHER ITEMS NOT LISTED MAY ALSO BE BROUGHT UP FOR DISCUSSION TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

1) Reading and Acceptance of February 5, 2020 minutes
2) PUBLIC HEARING
• Amend Chapter 193-4:Keeping of Animals Regulations Restriction on number of fowl and application

3) OLD BUSINESS

• Chairman opens the floor for any other old business

3) NEW BUSINESS

• Future projection for PSC contractual budget
• Update on the 105 CMR 665.000 Minimum Standards for Retail Sale of Tobacco Electronic Nicotine Delivery (END) Systems
• Coronavirus Disease update
• Eversource Energy Vegetation Management Plan

4) HEALTH DIRECTOR’S REPORT

• Chairman opens the floor for any other new business

5) CITIZENS COMMENTARY

6) ADJOURNMENT

Next Board of Health meeting will be Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at 5:00 pm


This agenda was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/agenda-3-4-20.pdf

Franklin Board Of Health - Agenda - March 4, 2020.

Town of Franklin E-Newsletter - March 2020

Town of Franklin E-Newsletter

March 2020 Edition

The March edition of the Town of Franklin E-Newsletter can be found here http://bit.ly/TOFmarch

Town of Franklin E-Newsletter - March 2020

You can also subscribe to receive your copy directly via email   https://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe


March 2020 e-Newsletter
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/tof_newsletter_march_2020.pdf

Franklin Primary Results - Live Broadcast scheduled for 8 PM

The Franklin Public Radio team is busy preparing for the live broadcast of the 2020 Primary results. The broadcast is scheduled to begin when the polls close at 8 PM.

We'll have some background material with the Franklin Town Clerk Teresa Burr and Assistant Clerk Nancy Danelo that was prepared when we sat for an interview in February.

We'll have some commentary from some of those gathered to hear the results. Following the results annouced by Teresa, we'll have some reflections on what the numbers tells us, if anything.

Tune in on the radio dial at 102.9 or from anywhere with an internet browser at wfpr.fm.

Franklin Primary Results - Live Broadcast scheduled for 8 PM

MMA to hold Conference to address housing challenges in small, rural communities

"The Massachusetts Housing Partnership will hold a conference on April 16 in Hadley to address the housing challenges faced by small and rural communities in the central and western parts of the state.

The Western Massachusetts Housing Conference, co-sponsored by the MMA, will focus on using data to support housing needs, housing rehabilitation, affordable home-ownership opportunities, distressed and abandoned properties, senior housing and community outreach and coalition building. It will also address the findings in last October’s Rural Policy Plan, prepared by the Rural Policy Advisory Commission to identify rural areas’ needs and the specific challenges they face.

The conference is geared toward officials, volunteers and municipal and nonprofit employees. Event sponsors include the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations, the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission, and the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission.

It will be held at the Hadley Farms Meeting House, 41 Russell St., from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. The cost is $30 for municipal planners, volunteers and nonprofit employees, and $50 for people from for-profit organizations. Breakfast and lunch will be provided."

Link to more information and registration
http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07egwfo5d509ce092f&llr=myxae4jab

Shared from the MMA page:
https://www.mma.org/conference-to-address-housing-challenges-in-small-rural-communities/

Basic Entrepreneurial Workshops - Tuesday, March 24, 2020 - FREE

SEED Corporation

and

Bristol County Savings Bank

in Cooperation with

U.S. Small Business Administration

United Regional Chamber of Commerce

Massachusetts Small Business Development Center

& SCORE

present FREE

Basic Entrepreneurial Workshops

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Registration: 9:00 AM

Session I: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Session II: 1:30 – 4:30 PM

Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Franklin Municipal Building

355 E Central Street, Franklin, MA

Please RSVP by Friday March 20

SESSION I: Learn the Fundamentals of Planning, Preparing for, and Financing Your Business

SESSION II: Learn to Understand Financial Statements and How They Help to Determine the Health of Your Business

________________________________________________________________

To register, contact SEED Corporation at 508-822-1020 x 318 or email jmello@seedecorp.com

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ILMhkrsDNNPLaCGnwTo-4Ew5GnDRXCx9/view?usp=sharing

Basic Entrepreneurial Workshops - Tuesday, March 24, 2020 - FREE

"everyone should do their part to stay healthy and prevent the spreading of germs"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The state Department of Public Health Monday night announced a presumptive positive case of COVID-19, known as the coronavirus, contracted by a woman who recently traveled to Italy.

The woman, in her 20s and who lives in Norfolk County, had recently traveled to Italy with a school group, according to a statement issued Monday night by the state agency.

The woman was recovering at home. According to the agency, the woman’s test results came back positive Monday evening.

Specimens will be sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and, if confirmed, it would be the second confirmed positive coronavirus case in Massachusetts since the outbreak started in the United States in January. In its statement, the agency said the risk to COVID-19 remains low in the Bay State."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200302/state-health-officials-announce-new-presumptive-positive-case-of-coronavirus


Qualified resources:

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

MA Dept of Health   https://www.mass.gov/influenza

Franklin Board of Health  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

"4 updates on Super Tuesday by Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Local election officials have been advised by the state’s top election overseer to be vigilant about cleaning voting booths, swapping out pens shared by multiple voters and having extra poll workers on call as public health concerns over the spreading coronavirus collide Tuesday with the 1.85 million people expected to vote in the presidential primaries.

Secretary of State William Galvin said Monday that he does not think the virus, which has been confirmed in one patient in Massachusetts but has kicked off widespread concern about the risk of infection, will have any real impact on the elections but advised local clerks to be prepared all the same, and to make arrangements for voters who are self-quarantining themselves out of an abundance of caution.

“Obviously, we do not think it’s a reason for people not to vote, but it has led to some concerns that are quite legitimate,” the secretary said. “If you go through the process that average citizens will involve as a vote, they’ll come to the table where they check in, they’ll get a ballot which they will handle by themselves, they’ll use a pen -- which usually is provided by the local election officials and may be used by multiple voters -- and then they will proceed to a compartment, mark the ballot and, having concluded that, will put it in the box.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200302/4-updates-on-super-tuesday-by-massachusetts-secretary-of-state-william-galvin

The article mentions polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM, that applies to elsewhere around the Commonwealth of MA. Polls in Franklin open at 6:00 AM. All precincts vote at Franklin High School.

"4 updates on Super Tuesday by Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin"

Franklin Residents: Voting Information from the Town Clerk's Office

Voting Information from the Town Clerk's Office

• The Massachusetts Primary Election is on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at the Franklin High School, located at 218 Oak Street from 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• The Town Clerk's Office will be CLOSED on Tuesday, March 3, 2020

 
 https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

Franklin Residents: Voting Information from the Town Clerk's Office

FM_#213 Jamie Hellen at the Senior Center - 2/25/20

FM #213

This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 213 in the series. We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen visited the Senior Center to provide an outlook on Franklin and answer questions for the audience of about 25 folks.

Director Karen Alves introduced Jamie. Jamie put aside his notes as he felt it would be good to go ‘off the cuff’ with his remarks and then take questions.

The talk goes about an hour and forty minutes including the question and answer period. You’ll hear some banging during the recording, Jamie addresses it during his remarks. As it was a good weather day when this was held, it also was a good time for some roof repairs to be made before the rains came.

Without further ado, let’s listen to Town Administrator Jamie Hellen at the Senior Center.  Audio file https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HNlMs2bX





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

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I 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 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/
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"

Director Karen Alves introduced Jamie Hellen at the Senior Center, Feb 25, 2020

Mind-Body-Spirit at St. John’s - a three part series

St John’s Episcopal Church in Franklin, MA presents a three-part series entitled "Mind-Body-Spirit". This free series of seminars, workshops, activities, and demonstrations is open to the community and welcomes anyone interested in enhancing their well-being.

MIND

March 22nd & 29th 2 PM–4 PM

If you are experiencing stress and anxiety, come learn how Dr. Trudy Good, a clinical psychologist with 12+ years of experience,
can help. Join us for Dr. Good’s seminar and workshop to learn about how our minds deal with stress, mindful practice (the science behind it and its practical application to your life). Learn self-care for managing stress and how mindfulness can help.

BODY.

April 26th 12:30 PM–4 PM

Looking for new ways to care for your body? Come to St John’s Health and Wellness Fair. Register to enjoy a free, catered lunch.
Explore healthy eating habits, new exercise routines, and ideas for preventative care.
Enjoy samples of healthy and tasty snacks. Learn about nutrition, and watch demonstrations from award winning nutritionist Tricia Silverman. Participate in activities to learn first-hand how you can take better care of your body, including sessions on T'ai Chi, Yoga, and Zumba.

Take a minute (or 10) to relax with a free chair massage. Learn more about acupuncture and get a confidential health screening to check your blood pressure, glucose, and more.
Leave feeling relaxed and more in control of your body.

Mind-Body-Spirit at St. John’s

*BODY SESSION BONUS*

Enter to win door prizes and raffles for gift vouchers to local vendors, including:
a 3mo fitness membership or 6-mo individual tennis membership to Adirondack Club-$220 value

• a $175 Gift Certificate to Franklin YMCA
• Free Trial Week Passes to Franklin YMCA
• a Ninja personal blender and to-go cup
• a Whole Foods gift certificate
• a Healthy foods gift basket
• a fruit infuser water bottle
• and MUCH more!

SPIRIT.

May 17th 2 PM–4 PM

Allow Ethel Fraga, a highly respected mindfulness-based stress reduction instructor, centering prayer presenter, and a spiritual director, to guide your spirit in understanding and connecting with the sacredness of life.
Ms. Fraga has been a student of contemplative spirituality for 52 years and practices meditation daily. Learn from her how you can enrich your life through Christian Contemplative Practice.


All events are free, but registration is highly recommended. Childcare and refreshments available at all events.
To learn more visit: http://stjohnsfranklinma.org/
To register, or to learn more, please contact: Amali De Zoysa (508) 528-2387
St John’s Episcopal Church-237 Pleasant St. Franklin, MA 02038 stjohns.mindbodyspirit@gmail.com


Download your copy of the flyer here or from copy embedded below
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tEanB4_hkwj2YEWqHcOnipyUiBY8giYu/view?usp=sharing

School Committee meeting recap - Feb 25, 2020: Demographics report available; budget outlook presents math problem

The two major topics from the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb 25, 2020 were the first look at the demographics study report and two, the Superintendent's Recommended budget for FY 2021.

The demographics report is provided below along with the presentation document. There is a second review of the report scheduled for Thursday, March 5 at the Horace Mann Middle School cafe at 7:00 PM.

The demographics show the student enrollment decline will continue to drop from the peak of 6300, currently 5100 to about 4500 before settling and eventually rising again. The factors and assumptions for the numbers are provided. The two critical factors to maintain the numbers projected are keeping the mortgage interest rate under 5% and having existing home sales reach 275 units per year. If either of these factors change, the numbers would be off. If, for example, the home sales don't reach 275, the enrollment likely would continue to drop.

More discussion around the numbers will be forthcoming. This is the first of two steps to help decide the future of Davis Thayer. The second piece is due in an April time frame and is the facility analysis. What are the space requirements to provide the education to the current and projected enrollment and how do the existing facilities provide that space?

My back of the scrap paper analysis says a building can be closed, if the enrollment does continue to drop, perhaps even two could be closed. What the facilities analysis shows will be key to understand what is needed and how we can provide it. Stay tuned.

The Superintendent's Recommended budget came out of the gate asking reasonably for the critical needs to be met. Some several hundred thousands of other requirements didn't make the 'critical' cut. There is another $1.2M in unmet needs NOT included in the budget as shown.

The math problem comes into this as the whole of Franklin's budget can only grow about $3M. So even if the critical needs budget was desired, and ALL of the $3M went to the schools. One, that leaves police, fire, DPW, Library with no increase for anything over what they had least year. Two, that also means $900K of the critical needs doesn't make the budget this year.

Of course, the gap will get resolved before the budget is finalized in June, the real question is how. What and where will the cuts come from? Expecting $3M to be 'found' is unrealistic.

Additional details from the meeting can be found in my notes recorded live during the meeting in the links below.
 
Meeting docs

You can also find the demographics study on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/demographic-presentation

FPS Demographics Presentation from Franklin Matters

Assumed to be supporting documentation for the presentation
(was not referenced during the meeting but was posted to the packet web page)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/enrollment-forecast

FPS FY 2021 Superintendent's Recommended Budget from Franklin Matters

Also available on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/supt-rec-budget-presentation

My meeting notes

• Live reporting: New business to Closing (Executive Session)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-new-business-to-closing.html

• Live reporting: Discussion/Action Items - Discussion

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-discussionaction-items.html

• Live reporting: Recommended budget FY 2021

 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-recommended-budget-fy.html

• Live Reporting: School Committee - Feb 25, 2020

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-school-committee-feb-25.html

The future of Davis Thayer is being studied this year

FHS boys basketball team posts win to advance to D1 Central Final on Friday

Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap for the FHS boys basketball game win vs. Worcester South 45-42

"The Franklin boys basketball team has proven to be a serious threat from behind the three-point season throughout the course of the season.

The Panthers have a handful of capable shooters that can get hot any given quarter of any given game.

But on Sunday evening, Franklin couldn’t find its rhythm. Only senior Chris Edgehill connected from deep, once in the first quarter, and once each in the third and fourth quarters. The rest of the Panthers, despite some good looks, just couldn’t find the range, missing on nearly two dozen attempts from deep as a team.

So when push came to shove, Franklin turned to what the program has hung its hat on year in and year out: defense.

The sixth-seeded Panthers got five straight stops to close its D1 Central Semifinal matchup with Worcester South, including a pair of three-pointers that could have tied the game, to earn a hard-fought 45-42 win over the second-seeded Colonials.

...

Franklin boys basketball (18-5) advances to its fifth D1 Central Final appearance in the past seven seasons. And for the fourth time, the Panthers will meet up with St. John’s Shrewsbury, the top-seed in the bracket this year, on Friday at 6:00 at Worcester State University. "

Continue reading the game reap:
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-basketball-claw-past-colonials-in-central-semis/

For a photo gallery from this game:
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Winter-2019-2020/Franklin-Worcester-South-Boys-Basketball-03-01-20/

For other results around the Hockomock League on Sunday
https://hockomocksports.com/sundays-schedule-scoreboard-03-01-20/

Franklin senior Brayden Sullivan goes up for a layup against Worcester South in the second half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Tax Time Guide: Millions make IRS.gov their first stop for tax help

Whether on home computers or mobile devices, the number of taxpayer visits to IRS.gov continues to grow year after year. Millions of taxpayers take advantage of the easy-to-use tools available 24 hours a day on the official website − IRS.gov.

IRS.gov is home to IRS Free File, “Where’s My Refund?”, the Tax Withholding Estimator and a host of other convenient applications.

The Tax Time Guide is series of news releases designed to help taxpayers get the information they need to file an accurate tax return. Additional help is available in Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax, available on IRS.gov.

 

https://twitter.com/IRSnews

Research is easier with tools like the Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA), a tax law resource that works using a series of questions and provides responses. There are also answers for Frequently Asked Questions.

Tax information is also available in Spanish Español; Chinese 中文; Korean 한국어; Russian Pусский; and Vietnamese TiếngViệt.

Online account tool
Taxpayers can use the View Your Account tool to see their tax account. Information such as a payoff amount, the balance for each tax year owed, up to 24 months of their payment history and key information from their current tax year return as originally filed.

‘Where’s My Refund?’
Taxpayers can easily find the most up-to-date information about their tax refund using the "Where’s My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov and on the official IRS mobile app, IRS2Go. Within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of an e-filed return, or four weeks after a paper return is mailed, taxpayers can start checking on the status of their refund.

Finding free tax return preparation
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to individuals who generally make $56,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and individuals with limited English proficiency who need assistance in preparing their taxes. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those age 60 and older.

Eligible taxpayers can find the nearest community-based site staffed by IRS trained and certified volunteers using the VITA/TCE Site Locator. There, they can get their tax returns prepared and filed electronically without charge.

Free DIY tax preparation
The IRS Free File program, available only through IRS.gov, offers 70% of all taxpayers the choice of 10 brand-name tax preparation software packages to use at no cost. The software does all the work of finding deductions, credits and exemptions for which the taxpayer qualifies. It is free for those who earned $69,000 or less in 2019. Some of the Free File packages also offer free state tax return preparation.

Any taxpayer, regardless of income, who is comfortable preparing their own taxes can use Free File Fillable Forms. This electronic version of paper IRS tax forms is also used to file tax returns online.

Finding a tax professional
The taxpayer is responsible for the accuracy of their tax return and should choose their tax professional carefully. Tax return preparers have differing levels of skills, education and expertise. There is a searchable directory on IRS.gov to help taxpayers find a tax professional in their area. The list can be sorted by credentials and qualifications.

Get a tax return transcript
A Tax Return Transcript shows most line items from an original tax return, along with any forms and schedules, but not changes made after it was filed. The Get Transcript tool is free and available on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can view, print or download their tax transcripts after the IRS has processed the return. The IRS redesigned tax transcripts to partially mask all personally identifiable information for any person or entity on the 1040-series tax return. All financial entries remain fully visible. Ordering a tax transcript will not speed up a taxpayer’s refund or provide an updated refund date.

How to make a tax payment
Taxpayers should visit the “Pay” tab on IRS.gov to see their payment options. Most tax software products give taxpayers various payment options, including the option to withdraw the funds from a bank account. These include:

• IRS Direct Pay offers taxpayers a free, fast, secure and easy way to make an electronic payment from their bank account to the U.S. Treasury.
• Use an approved payment processor to pay by credit, debit card or digital wallet options for a fee. Make monthly or quarterly tax payments using IRS Direct Pay or through the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System.
• Pay by cash at a participating retail store.

Need more time to file?
An extension of time to file a tax return does not grant an extension of time to pay taxes. Taxpayers should estimate and pay any owed taxes by the April 15 deadline to help avoid possible penalties. Taxpayers must file their extension request no later than the regular due date of their return.

Individual tax filers, regardless of income, can use IRS Free File to electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension. This gives the taxpayer until Oct. 15 to file a return. To get the extension, the taxpayer must estimate their tax liability and should also pay any amount due.

Can’t pay a tax bill?
Everyone should file their 2019 tax return by the tax filing deadline regardless of whether or not they can pay in full. Taxpayers who can’t pay all their taxes have options including: 

• Online Payment Agreement — Most individual taxpayers and many business taxpayers may qualify to use Online Payment Agreement to set up a payment plan. Available payment plan options include a full-pay agreement, a short-term plan of up to 120 days to pay in full, or a long-term monthly payment plan (installment agreement). The amount a taxpayer owes and their tax- filing compliance determines which payment plan options may be available. Taxpayers can setup a plan on IRS.gov/paymentplan in a matter of minutes. Setup fees may apply for some types of plans.
• Delaying Collection — If the IRS determines a taxpayer is unable to pay, it may delay collection until the taxpayer's financial condition improves.
• Offer in Compromise (OIC) — Taxpayers who qualify enter into an agreement with the IRS that settles their tax liability for less than the full amount owed.

Face-to-face IRS help
Nearly every tax issue can be resolved online or by phone, but some taxpayers still need face-to-face help from the IRS. All IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) provide service by appointment. To find the closest IRS TAC, enter a five-digit ZIP Code into the TAC Office Locator tool on IRS.gov. To schedule an appointment, call 844-545-5640. Taxpayers need valid photo identification and a taxpayer identification number, such as a Social Security number, to receive services.

Tax Withholding Estimator
The Tax Withholding Estimator is a tool on IRS.gov designed to help taxpayers determine how to have the right amount of tax withheld from their paychecks. The Tax Withholding Estimator will help determine if a taxpayer needs to adjust their withholding and submit a new Form W-4 to their employer. The IRS urges employees to perform a Paycheck Checkup using the Tax Withholding Estimator on IRS.gov. A Paycheck Checkup can help taxpayers see if they’re having their employer withhold the right amount of tax from their paychecks. Even taxpayers who changed their 2019 withholding should recheck their withholding now. A mid-year withholding change in 2019, for example, may have a different full-year impact in 2020. It’s a good idea to check withholding every year. In addition to changes in tax law, life events like marriage, divorce or adopting a child, can have an effect on withholding, too.