Many free tax preparation services assist senior citizens with their tax returns. While commercial tax preparation services are available nationwide, seniors and low to moderate income individuals and families may wish to take advantage of the free services. Free services are available from American Association of Retired Persons (AARP,) the IRS-sponsored Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) or through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Program (VITA,) which serves clients based on income and not age. These programs are staffed by trained volunteers and most offer electronic filing and direct deposit of refunds
AARP Senior Tax Help
AARP states that it has prepared tax returns for nearly 50 million individuals and families since it began doing this in 1968. AARP and the IRS have an agreement for the IRS to provide training for the 35,000 AARP volunteers, while AARP conducts the program. AARP service locations number about 6,500 around the U.S. and are usually conveniently located in libraries or community centers. Call 1-888-227-7669 to find the nearest AARP site.
VITA Tax Help
VITA is an IRS-sponsored tax preparation service that operates in collaboration with non-profits. VITA offers free tax preparation services individuals and families who are low-to-moderate income, which is considered to be those making $49,000 or less annually. VITA sites are often operated by non-profit agencies that assist low-income individuals throughout the year. These volunteers are trained to get families the largest possible refund, paying particular attention to the earned income credit, which is sometimes overlooked. VITA sites are usually located at schools, libraries, malls, and community centers. Call 1-800-906-9887 to locate local VITA tax preparation sites.
TCE Tax Help
The TCE Program is specifically for persons aged 60 or older. Volunteers from non-profit organizations are well-trained to provide tax preparation; many of the volunteers are retired seniors. AARP often collaborates with this IRS-sponsored program. Call 1-800-829-1040 to locate the nearest Tax-Aide site.
Documents Needed
Call the location first to make an appointment. Clients will need proof of identification and social security cards for each household member who will be on the tax return. Wage and earnings statements from all sources of income (W-2, W-2G, 1099,) and interest and dividend statements from banks will be required. If daycare is an expense, the provider’s tax identification will be required. Since most sites provide electronic filing of tax returns, bring your bank’s account number and routing number for quick refunds. Joint returns require the signatures of both spouses.
The volunteers in the programs are donating their time to help others, and while they cannot receive any pay, remember: a “thank you” is certainly appropriate.
