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Law & Money | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com
File taxes From page 16
It’s counting on DIY fatigue. A “find an office” link is always visible when you use this program, and a Liberty tax preparer can pick up where you left off — for a fee, of course. But if you don’t need help, this utilitarian program will help you get the job done free. It’s not as flashy as other online programs, but it does offer online support, and you won’t discover midway through the process that you have to upgrade to a paid product.
TaxSlayer
Who can use it: Taxpayers who file 1040EZ State tax return included: Yes Eligible taxpayers can prepare, e-file and print their tax returns free. E-mail and phone support are included at no extra cost. If you have taxable income of more than $100,000, have dependents, or have taxable interest of more than $1,500, you must pay to upgrade to TaxSlayer Classic.
TaxAct
Who can use it: Taxpayers who file
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Ongoing
BALTIMORE CITY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES For volunteer opportunities in Baltimore City, call (410) 396-4932.
Ongoing
ANIMAL RESCUE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS Tails of Hope Sanctuary, a nonprofit animal rescue, seeks volunteers. For more information, visit www.tails-of-hope.org.
Apr. 12+
LEARN TO MAKE WOVEN BRACELETS
APRIL 2017 — BALTIMORE BEACON
1040EZ or 1040A State tax return included: Yes TaxAct has expanded its free product to include tips and guidance on 19 “life events” — such as getting married or buying a home — up from two last year. You can electronically import a previous year’s TaxAct return for $5. In the past, users who wanted to import a prior year’s tax return had to upgrade to a paid product. While Form 1040A allows you to report income from investments and capital gains, if you itemize and/or have taxable income of more than $100,000, you must pay to upgrade to TaxAct Plus.
IRS Free File
Who can use it: Taxpayers with 2016 adjusted gross income of $64,000 or less State tax return included: Varies, depending on tax software company This year, 12 private tax software companies are participating in the Free File
Car buyers
Learn to make Nantucket bracelets using the Nantucket Lightship
From page 17
Basket traditional weave. This class is sponsored by the Roland
likely be negligible. Even an increase of 2 percentage points would only add about $50 per month to a car payment, he said.
Park Country School Kaleidoscope Lifelong Learning Program on Wednesday, April 12 and 19. The course fee is $65 plus materials fee of $75. For more information, call (410) 323-5500 or visit www.rocs.org.
program. Each participant has its own criteria. TurboTax All Free, for example, is limited to taxpayers with AGI of $33,000 or less, or who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. eSmart Free File is available to anyone with AGI of $64,000 or less, as long as they’re between the ages of 18 and 54. Some programs are only available to taxpayers who live in specific states. Find the right tool for you via the IRS’ look-up tool. Free File isn’t limited to taxpayers with simple returns. If you itemize, or have income from investments or self-employment, you can prepare and e-file your federal tax return (and in some cases, your state tax return) free, provided you meet the AGI requirements. Copyright 2017 The Kiplinger Washington Editors All contents copyright 2017 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC “That’s not going to stop people,” he said. But increasing interest rates could cause lenders to tighten their criteria, which could shut some buyers out of the market. — AP
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Mar. 31
ASK A LAWYER Attorney Steven Heinl will hold a question-and-answer session
talking about estate planning, probate administration and small business matters at a free program at the Pikesville Senior Center on Friday, March 31 from 1 to 2 p.m. He also prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance medical directives and other planning documents in his practice. The center is located at 1301 Reisterstown Rd. To learn more, call (410) 887-1245.