Get some assistance preparing your taxes
It’s that time of year again to start thinking about filing your federal income tax return. But there is no need to fret. Luckily, there are programs offering free help to qualifying taxpayers.
The AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide provides inperson and virtual tax assistance to anyone, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low-to-moderate income.
“The AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program is an amazing free tax program for low income families and seniors,” said Nina Johnston, Tax-Aide Texas-3, Partnership and Communications Specialist. “There are roughly 120 locations throughout the Texas 3 region, which covers the Houston Chronicle distribution area, and more than 200 locations throughout the state.”
Tax-Aide volunteers are located nationwide and are trained and IRS-certified every year to make sure they know about recent changes and additions to the tax code.
For additional information and to find a location near you, call 888-227-7669 or visit online at https://www.aarp.org.
IRS programs
Here are some IRS offerings to choose from:
• The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) offers free tax help to people who generally make $60,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited-English-speaking taxpayers.
• The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program gives free tax help, particularly for those who are 60 and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. To find the nearest VITA or TCE site to you visit https://www.ftb.ca.gov or call 800-9069887.
• The IRS has a Free-File program (https:// www.irs.gov) that lets qualifying individuals file their tax return for free using tax preparation and
filing software. This is available for those with an adjusted gross income of $73,000 or less.
“After a year of dealing with the tax impact of the pandemic, the 2022 tax year should be one where these go back to normal — if such a thing still exists. Many of the pandemic relief measures have expired, causing less of a compliance burden for all taxpayers and their tax preparers. Perhaps the greatest challenge to seniors this year will be with respect to IRS processing and response times,” said Darrell W. Groves, CPA, CFE, CGMA, Managing Director of DWG CPA, PLLC.
Groves said that the best way to prepare for tax filing is to gather important tax documents — either electronic or paper — and keep them in one place. Ensuring their tax records are complete before filing helps taxpayers avoid errors. When they have all their documentation, taxpayers can file an accurate return and avoid processing or refund delays or IRS letters.
He said that seniors should sign up for their online account with the IRS. It lets taxpayers securely access their personal tax information, including tax return transcripts, payment history, certain notices, prior year adjusted gross income, and power of attorney information.
“All taxpayers should be aware of changes in tax provisions for 2022 that were outlined in our December 2022 newsletter,” said Groves. “One key challenge relates to charitable deductions. During COVID, taxpayers could take up to a $600 charitable donation tax deduction on their tax returns. However, in 2022, those who take a standard deduction may not take an above-theline deduction for charitable donations.”
When going to an office to get help with tax preparation, it’s important to bring a current government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards and/or Individual Taxpayer ID numbers for members of their households, including spouse and dependents, any IRS letters or notices received and related documents, any W-2s or 1099s, and a copy of last year’s return, if available.
And, the IRS advises that people should file an accurate return electronically and choose direct deposit to avoid processing delays and speed delivery of their refund.
Finally, do remember April 18 is the IRS taxfiling deadline this year!