Take The Taxing Out Of Taxes

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Take The Taxing Out Of Taxes With Free Filing Help

By Beverly Custer

Albuquerque area seniors have several options when it comes to obtaining no cost assistance preparing their 2019 taxes.

The federal government offers Volunteer Income Tax Preparation (VITA) on Mondays and Wednesdays from Feb. 4-April 15, starting at 8 a.m. at various metro locations, including in Tijeras and Rio Rancho. The VITA program offers free tax help to people whose income is $56,000 or less, to limited English speakers and to taxpayers with disabilities. VITA sites are often located at libraries, schools, shopping malls, community centers, etc. To find VITA locations, visit www. cabq.gov/seniors/2019-tax-assistance. Those who need help filing their tax returns may want to seek out IRScertified volunteers at each site. They provide free tax return preparation as well as electronic filing assistance. Tax Help New Mexico, operated by the United Way of Central New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College, is also a free service for people 65 and older whose household income is less than $55,000. Visit http://www.tax.newmexico.gov/

Individuals/free-filing-assistance.aspx for a list of locations. Volunteers at each site are IRS-certified and trained to help identify tax credits to which taxpayers are entitled. For information, call 505-224-4TAX (4829).

Additionally, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for taxpayers 60 and older. It also provides IRS-certified volunteers specializing in counseling relating to pensions and other retirement issues unique to seniors. These tax preparers are often retired themselves, and are associated with nonprofits that receive IRS grants. There is no application necessary for these programs. A majority of the TCE sites are operated by the AARP Foundation’s Tax Aide program. To check if you may be eligible or to locate the nearest TCE site, call 800-906-9887 or 888-227-7669.

Taxpayers also have the option of preparing their own basic federal and state tax returns using tax preparation software on the internet, at some VITA and TCE tax preparation sites. This “self-prep” service is also free.

It’s a good idea to call the site you intend to visit to ensure you have all the required information before you go. Typically, you will need to take the following documents with you:

• Proof of identification in the form of a photo ID (e.g., your driver’s license) • Social Security cards or statements for you, your spouse and dependents • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) statements • Current driver’s license or New Mexico identity card • Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents listed on the tax return • Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc) from all employers • Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099) • A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available • Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit, such as a blank check • Total paid for day care and the day care provider’s tax identifying number (Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number) • Forms 1095-A, B, and C, Health Coverage Statements

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