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Boston, Massachusetts
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Boston, Massachusetts
United States
Nov 16 Blog: H1N1 UpdateManage Tax Time Stress
As the countdown to tax day begins, many local residents can count on AARP to help manage tax time stress. From February 1 through April 15, the association offers a free tax-counseling program, AARP Tax-Aide to assist taxpayers with the preparation of federal, and state income tax returns.
Free Tax Counseling
Available to middle- and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 and older, AARP Tax-Aide provides face-to-face counseling services at 275 sites across Massachusetts, including senior and community centers, libraries and other convenient locations.
AARP Tax-Aide also provides counseling services to individuals who are unable to leave their homes. Contact a local AARP Tax-Aide site in the community for details.
A Well Trained, Professional Volunteer Corps
AARP Tax-Aide volunteers have been trained in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue to perform tax counseling services. AARP volunteers are well-versed in Massachusetts tax rules, including:
- Schedule HC, the new health care information form. This requirement stems from the state’s landmark health care reform law mandating all residents age 18 and over have health insurance. Those who are unable to prove they are insured will lose their personal tax exemption worth $219. For more information, visit www.aarp.org/ma.
- Energy efficient credits for homeowners.
- “Circuit Breaker” tax credit [http://www.mass.gov/ador/docs/dor/taxtips/seniors05.pdf], which is available for residents age 65 and older who meet certain criteria.
Last year, 550 AARP Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 25,000 Massachusetts residents with tax returns and questions. The exceptional quality of service provided by these dedicated volunteers consistently earns the program high marks in customer satisfaction. Each year, AARP Tax-Aide achieves a significant rate of repeat customers, who say they return to the program due to the friendliness, helpfulness, knowledge and skill of AARP Tax-Aide Volunteers.
Find an AARP Tax-Aide Site Near You
To find an AARP Tax-Aide site in the community, or a neighboring community, go to the online AARP Tax-Aide Site Locator at www.aarp.org/taxaide, or call 1-888-AARP-NOW (1-888-227-7669).
Prepare for Your Meeting with AARP Tax-Aide
Before meeting with an AARP Tax-Aide volunteer, gather together some basic information and bring it with you to the AARP Tax-Aide site, such as:
- 2007 tax forms and preparation booklet
- Copy of last year’s income tax returns
- W-2 forms from each employer
- Unemployment compensation statements
- SSA-1099 form if you were paid Social Security benefits
- 1099-HC form if you have private health insurance
- All 1099 forms (1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-misc.,) showing interest and/or dividends as well as documentation showing the original purchase price of your sold assets
- 1099R forms if you received a pension or annuity
- All forms indicating federal income tax paid
- Child care provider information (name, employer ID, Social Security number)
- All receipts or canceled checks if itemizing deductions
- Social Security numbers for all dependents.
AARP Tax-Aide is administered by the AARP Foundation in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated, 501(c)(3) nonpartisan, charitable organization established in 1961.
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Added: Feb 25, 2008
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