www.aarp.org/taxaide

Serving Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, and Spencer counties in Kentucky
  and Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Scott, and Washington counties in Southern Indiana.

Can anyone get tax preparation help at an AARP Tax-Aide site?

Almost anyone can receive free assistance, as long as it is within the limits of the skill and training of the volunteer counselor.

Do I have to be a member of AARP?

AARP membership is not required, this is a free community service provided through the auspices of the AARP Foundation and the IRS.

May I make an appointment?

Taxpayers are generally served on a first-come, first-serve basis except that in busy times, preference may be afforded to seniors over age 60 and those with low – middle income.

Is it really free – both regular paper returns and e-filed returns?

Yes, there is no charge; tips and gratuities are not accepted. Note too that the taxpayer is responsible for the information used in preparing the return. The volunteer is “held harmless” since they depend upon the taxpayer to provide all relevant information and the return is the responsibility of the taxpayer.

Do both spouses need to be present?

Electronic returns using Form 8879 must be signed and the form returned to the site if both are not present. Traditional paper returns do not require the presence of both taxpayers but must be signed by both parties prior to being mailed to the IRS by the tax payer.

What do I need to bring?

Positive identification and social security numbers for all persons on the return

Taxpayers should bring the prior year tax return (2007) with all attachments and schedules, the tax booklet and forms for 2008.

All W-2’s and employment/unemployment statements and SSA-1099 if you received Social Security payments are needed.

All 1099 forms (i.e. 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B and any brokerage statements) documentation of the date and price of acquisition and sale of capital assets such as stocks, bonds will be required.

All 1099-Misc’s, 1099-R’s and all forms showing federal or state tax withholding

If claiming dependent care, bring information on the provider including name, EIN or SS, address and costs.

Complete written documentation for all items being claimed as itemized deductions including medical, interest, tax, contributions, and other misc items.

Any other documents related to the tax return.

What forms can be prepared?

1040 with schedules A (Itemized deductions), B (Interest and dividends), C-EZ, EIC, R and SE; also simple Schedule D’s (Capital gains and losses)

Forms 1040-V, 1040-ES, 2441 (Child and dependent care), 8812 (Additional Child credit and 8863 (Education Credits).

What forms will NOT be prepared?

Schedule C (Business), E (Rents) or complicated or advanced Schedule D’s

Forms SS-5, 2106 (Employee Business Expense), 3903 (Moving), 8606 (Non-deductible IRA) and 8615 (Minor’s Investment Income)

Is the Telephone Tax Refund still available?

Yes, you may either amend your 2006 return or file form 1040EZ-T if you did not file an individual tax return. This is available until April 15, 2010 but can only be claimed once.

How about information from a K-1?

Returns may include information from simple K-1’s that contain interest and dividends and moderate capital gains. Those with depreciation and complex issues should be handled by a professional service.

Is shut-in service available?

Yes, on a limited basis and only to those unable to leave their home except for visits to the physician or hospital. Call 502-394-3443 for details.

Are state returns prepared?

Indiana or Kentucky returns can be prepared in their respective states. Other surrounding state forms can also be partially prepared but must be filed as a paper return and should be confirmed by another source other than local Tax-Aide personnel.

How about local returns and Tangible Personal Property Tax Returns?

No, our volunteers are not trained to prepare that type return.

If I arrive before closing time, will my return be completed?

New returns are generally not started during the last hour listed for the site. Upon arrival, the client facilitator will advise persons of the likelihood of being served that day. Taxpayers may be referred to another site and/or advised to return on a different day if it appears service cannot be provided that day.

Does the taxpayer need to complete any forms?

Yes, each taxpayer is required to complete the “AARP Tax-Aide INTERVIEW AND INTAKE SHEET” before the return can be started – this form is provided at the site. Assistance is available from the greeter and counselor.

Are the counselor’s competent and well trained?

All counselors are required to attend class and pass an IRS test as well as one related to Kentucky returns. In addition, those who do e-filing are also required to pass a proficiency performance review with the TaxWise software. All counselors are required to be certified annually.

Are there other centers offering free preparation service?

Yes, the IRS has service available to those with low income as do the VITA related sites of the IRS. Help with KY returns is available at local KDOR offices.

© Copyright 2006-2008   AARP Tax-Aide Louisville   All rights reserved.