Free tax return help available for seniors, low-income families
By Dennis Hill
Published in News on February 13, 2011 1:50 AM
The AARP Tax Aide Service is offering free tax counseling and simple income tax preparation help for senior citizens and low-income taxpayers through April 18.
Senior taxpayers, 50 and older, will receive priority.
Assistance is being offered at the Wayne County Public Library on Ash Street on Monday and Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. until noon.
The group's goal is to serve 35-30 taxpayers a day. Assistance will be given to both federal and North Carolina income tax returns. Both spouses must be present if filing a joint return.
Because of demand by the Internal Revenue Service, itemized returns cannot be prepare until AARP receives notification. Therefore, complex and lengthy returns will not be prepared until March.
Senior taxpayers must bring all 2010 tax documents, especially their Social Security statement(s), SSA 1099 form and Form 1099R.
Taxpayers must also have documented proof of all itemized deductions.
The IRS requires that all taxpayers bring a valid photo identification and a Social Security Card or ITTN Card for themselves and dependents.
Tax returns will be filed electronically. The IRS will not allow the AARP to prepare a return if the taxpayer refuses to have the return filed electronically.