Serving Bullitt, Jefferson, and Oldham counties in Kentucky and Clark, Floyd, and Harrison counties in Southern Indiana.

Can I phone someone to be sure a site is open today?

Maybe. Some Sites utilize appointments and have a phone number; others do not. See Sites page for details.

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. Note that help is intended primarily for persons with low to moderate income so those able to utilize the services of professional preparers are encouraged to do so, particularly for complex issues and complicated returns.

Do I have to be a member of AARP?

No. 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?

Maybe. Some Sites utilize appointments and have a phone number; others do not. See Sites page for details.

Is it really free – even 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 by both parties in the presence of the preparer or reviewer and photo and SS ID is required for both

Does the taxpayer need to complete any forms?

Yes. An Intake form is required for each tax return. Some sites with appointments have pre-appointment packets available that can be downloaded or picked up on-site. This allows taxpayers to complete the form at their leisure.

What do I need to bring?

Government issued photo ID and social security records for all persons on the return

Taxpayers should bring the prior year tax return with all attachments and schedules.

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 and ACA related forms and information.

What forms can be prepared?

1040 with schedules A (Itemized deductions), B (Interest and dividends), C (limited to expenses under $25,000, but no employees, no losses and no depreciation), EIC, R and SE; also simple Schedule D’s (Capital gains and losses)

Forms 1040-V, 1040-ES, 1099, 2441 (Child and dependent care), 8812 (Additional Child credit and 8863 (Education Credits), 5405, 8283 section A if less than $5,000, 8606 part 1, 8880, 8812,8863,8949,9465,8379 and 1040X.

Health Savings Accounts-1099-SA and Form 8889 service is available at selected sites – inquire immediately upon arrival at site.

What forms will NOT be prepared?

Portions of Schedules A & B that are not included in preparers training.

Schedule C (if expenses are $25,000 or more, or involve depreciation), E  (Rents) or complicated or advanced Schedule D’s if complete paper work is not available.

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

How about information from a K-1?

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

Are state returns prepared?

Indiana or Kentucky returns can be prepared in their respective states.  Note that state returns can only be prepared when two counselors, certified for the state in question, are present.

How About Prior Year Returns?

Possibly, there must be at least two counselors that are “certified” for the tax year in question. Be sure to inquire promptly when you arrive at the site.

How about local returns and Tangible Personal Property Tax Returns?

No, our volunteers are not trained to prepare that type of 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. Intake booklet - Form 13614-C needs to be completed at the site prior to service.

Are the counselors competent and well trained?

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

Are there other centers offering free preparation service?

Yes, go to www.irs.gov to locate VITA sites that will help taxpayers with low income.  Help with KY returns is available at local KYDOR offices.

Need a Copy of Your Tax Return Information?

Requesting Transcripts (Individuals): See www.irs.gov for complete information.

You have two easy and convenient options for getting copies of your federal tax return information--tax return transcripts and tax account transcripts--by phone or by mail.

Request transcripts by calling 1-800-829-1040, or order by mail using
IRS Form 4506T (Request for Transcript of Tax Return).
No charge or fee for transcripts. Allow two weeks for delivery.
 

© Copyright  2006-2024     AARP Tax-Aide Louisville     All rights reserved.