One-stop, free tax help on four Wednesdays in February

The New York Public Library’s Ottendorfer branch in Manhattan will host free, in‑person income tax preparation with Single Stop on Wednesday, February 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Assistance is first‑come, first‑served; masks are recommended. The event page notes this location is not wheelchair accessible, and that the library does not provide tax advice itself but partners with IRS‑certified providers. No advance registration is required.

Who qualifies and what to bring

Single Stop runs an IRS‑certified program that offers free filing for qualifying taxpayers. For New York City in‑person sites, Single Stop highlights low‑ to moderate‑income households and provides a clear checklist of documents to bring: government ID, Social Security cards or ITINs for everyone on the return, prior‑year return, direct‑deposit info, and all income statements (W‑2s and 1099s, including 1099‑NEC/1099‑K), plus any health, childcare, or education forms (such as Forms 1095‑A and 1098‑T).

More broadly, the IRS’s VITA/TCE program—of which Single Stop sites are a part—uses certified volunteers, quality reviews on every return, and free e‑file to help eligible taxpayers. Before you go, the IRS recommends reviewing what services a site offers and using its “what to bring” checklist so you don’t lose your place in line.

Why this matters for truckers

For owner‑operators and small fleets, winter paperwork can get complicated—especially if you’re juggling multiple 1099‑NECs from brokers, settlement statements, and expenses tied to different tractors or leases. IRS‑certified preparers can help ensure Schedule C income and deductions are captured accurately and electronically filed so refunds move faster.

Two timely reminders for tax year 2025 (returns due in 2026):

Standard mileage rate: For miles driven in 2026, the optional business mileage rate rises to 72.5 cents per mile. If you use the standard mileage method, you must choose it the first year a vehicle is placed in service; lessees who choose it must stick with it for the entire lease term. This is relevant if you place a new rig or service truck in business in early 2026.
Third‑party payment reporting: The IRS confirms the Form 1099‑K threshold has reverted to “over $20,000 and more than 200 transactions.” Many truckers won’t see a 1099‑K from payment apps or marketplaces under that threshold, but all business income remains taxable and must be reported—even without a form.

What owner‑operators should bring to make the visit count

To help the preparer get your return right the first time, organize documents by truck and by month. Consider this trucking‑specific checklist to supplement Single Stop’s required items:

Settlement statements and 1099‑NECs from carriers/brokers; any 1099‑Ks if applicable.
ELD logs or trip sheets to substantiate business mileage and days away from home (useful for mileage method and meals deductions discussions).
Fuel, DEF, oil, maintenance, tires, tolls, scales, parking and wash receipts; IFTA/IRP reports.
Lease and finance agreements, insurance premiums (liability, cargo, physical damage), permits, and registration fees.
Depreciation records for tractors/trailers and any Section 179/bonus decisions you made in prior years.
Home‑office details (if claiming), and records for phones, ELD/data plans, and safety gear.

Tips to avoid delays

Arrive early. The site can close early if it reaches capacity, and service is first‑come, first‑served.
Bring everyone’s IDs/SSNs or ITINs and last year’s return—these are commonly forgotten items that stall intake.
Decide how you track vehicle costs (standard mileage vs. actual expenses) and come prepared with either a mileage log or complete receipts. An IRS‑certified preparer can explain tradeoffs.
Use direct deposit for faster refunds and fewer paper checks to chase on the road.

The bottom line

If you’re an NYC‑based owner‑operator—or delivering in the area in early February—NYPL’s Ottendorfer sessions offer a no‑cost, IRS‑certified path to file accurately and on time. Show up with complete trucking records, and you can leave with an e‑filed 2025 return and fewer tax‑season headaches.

Sources Consulted: The New York Public Library; Internal Revenue Service; Single Stop.

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This article was prepared exclusively for truckstopinsider.com. For professional tax advice, consult a qualified professional.