FW: Free Tax Preparation Assistance 2011
Karen Rodriguez
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FREE TAX PREPARATION HELP IS AVAILABLE TO LOW TO MODERATE INCOME INDIVIDUALS WHO CANNOT PREPARE THEIR OWN RETURNS, TO OLDER ADULTS AND THE DISABLED:
The IRS
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the
Elderly (TCE) Programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify.
Trained community volunteers may help with special credits, such as Earned
Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or the
Disabled. In addition to free tax return preparation assistance, most sites
also offer free electronic filing (e-filing). Individuals taking advantage of
the e-file program will receive their refunds in half the time compared to
returns filed on paper – even faster when tax refunds
are deposited directly into one's bank account.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
The VITA Program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income (generally, $49,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Most locations also offer free electronic filing. To locate the nearest VITA site, call 1-800-906-9887 or check this partial VITA site list online. (This list does not include every VITA site.)
Tax Counseling for the Elderly
The TCE Program provides free tax help to people aged 60 and older. Trained volunteers from non-profit organizations provide free tax counseling and basic income tax return preparation for senior citizens. Volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.
As part of the IRS-sponsored TCE Program, AARP offers the Tax-Aide counseling program at more than 7,000 sites nationwide during the filing season. Trained and certified AARP Tax-Aide volunteer counselors help people of low-to-middle income with special attention to those age 60 and older.
For more information on TCE, call 1-800-829-1040. To locate the nearest AARP Tax-Aide site, call 1-888-227-7669 or visit AARP's website.
This communication contains information that is confidential, and solely for the use of the intended recipient. It may contain information that is privileged and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, please be advised that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of this communication is strictly prohibited. Please also immediately notify SCAN Health Plan at 1-800-247-5091, x5263 and return the communication to the originating address.
Thank You.
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