Tax program helps seniors

April is fast approaching. If you are like me, and your birthday is in April, this pleases you. If not, the month may only signal tax time.

Seniors may not need to worry about this. However, sometimes it pays to check things out.

“The volunteers with AARP’s Tax Aide Program have answers to questions you might not have even thought to ask,” said Stan Marshall, Tax Aide volunteer.

Rich Jung agrees.

“It is important for seniors to visit with us because there may be some credits for which they are eligible, such as earned income credit, if they are still working and especially if they have a child living with them; and an education tax credit if they helped their grandchild with school costs,” said Jung, retired CPA and district coordinator for the program. “They may be eligible for a retirement savings contribution tax credit.”

AARP Tax Aide has been around since 1968 and was one of the first programs that used volunteers to ensure that older people received necessary and important services. In 1980, a cooperative agreement was reached with the Internal Revenue Service as part of its Tax Counseling for the Elderly.

The volunteers have extensive weeklong training, are certified, and are available to the public until April 18. The service is free and open to anyone of low or middle income, but special attention is given to seniors 60 and older.

“We assist in filing basic tax forms and schedules, including the 1040, 1040A and the 1040EZ. We also do electronic filing for free, which is quite a savings,” said Jung. “But if someone has a complex form, or a hefty income, we advise them to seek paid tax assistance.

“Our goal is to reach people who really need the help, especially seniors.”

These dedicated volunteers have set up shop in libraries and offices, including Eastern Agency on Aging, to fulfill their mission for seeing that every senior who is eligible for a refund gets one.

EAA is taking appointments for Tuesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. In addition, the Bangor Public Library is available on a first come, first served basis Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seniors go to the head of the line, however.

“You can find other local sites by calling the AARP at (888) 227-7669 or on the Internet at www.aarp.org/taxaide,” said Jung. Volunteers also will make visits to the homebound, to hospitals and to nursing homes, he added.

Jung has a list of things to bring when meeting with your Tax Aide volunteer:

. W-2 form.

. Social Security cards for taxpayer, spouse and any dependents.

. Copy of last year’s income tax returns.

. SSA-1099 forms, if you were paid Social Security, and any other 1099 forms you have.

. Summary of deductions such as medical expenses, taxes or contributions, if you are planning to itemize.

“If you or someone else does your tax return and you want to double check it, we will do that too,” said Marshall.

The volunteers love what they do and they clearly make a difference.

Again, typically, seniors who are just receiving Social Security don’t need to file a return, said Marshall, but sometimes there are pleasant surprises.

“Sometimes not being typical is the best surprise of all,” he added.

To obtain more information on tax aid, or to make an appointment with one of the volunteers, call EAA at 941-2865.

Tune in for “Senior Talk” with Carol Higgins on WVOM FM, The Voice of Maine, 103.9, Saturday morning at 6:30 a.m., or on WABI-AM 910 at 8 a.m. Saturday or 9 a.m. Sunday.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, log on www.eaaa.org, or e-mail info@eaaa.org.