AARP tax aides may help seniors get refund

April is approaching. Think the snowbanks will be gone by then?

While we look forward to a change in precipitation, most of us must gear up for tax time. Seniors may not need to worry about this, but 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, AARP Tax Aide volunteer.

Rich Jung, retired certified public accountant and district coordinator for the program, 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. “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 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 week-long training and are certified and available to the public until April 15. 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 Area Agency on Aging, beginning Tuesday, Feb. 5, to fulfill their mission for seeing that every senior who is eligible for a refund, gets one.

EAAA is taking appointments 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays. The service at the Bangor Public Library is available on a first-come, first-served basis 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Seniors go to the head of the line, however.

“You can find other local sites by calling the AARP at 1-888-227-7669 or on the Internet at www.aarp.org/taxaide,” said Jung.

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 in the form of cash, so it is best to check it out.

For information on tax aid, or to make an appointment with one of the volunteers, call EAAA at 941-2865.

Or you can stop by the Airport Mall, Union St., in Bangor 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, for Super Saturday. You can have your taxes done free, your tax and rent rebate forms done, and you can get great information on other financial matters.

Carol Higgins Taylor is director of communications at Eastern Area Agency on Aging. E-mail Higgins Taylor at chtaylor@eaaa.org. For information on EAAA, call 941-2865, toll-free (800) 432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org or visit EAAA.org. TTY 992-0150.