This is a reputable and reliable service that is utlaized by many people every tax season. It's open to everyone, all ages. I have known of them to have sites at the main branch of the Portland Public Library as well as at the expo. Calling 211 can also give you info on where to find them.
*Also, don't forget, if your child attended an after school recreation program or any day camps during the summer while you were working, call them for their tax ID number (unless they already gave you that info) and the amount that you paid in. As long as having your kids there allowed you to work during those hours, it counts as child care and you will get that money refunded to you.
Tax season has begun, and whether you use an accountant or a computer program, or try to file your returns on your own, it can be an expensive and complicated process. But thanks to the AARP Foundation, people in Maine with low-to-moderate incomes do not have to go it alone, and help is available for free.
Joan Jagolinzer is the state volunteer coordinator for the AARP Tax Aide program. She says there are several sites around the state staffed with volunteer counselors to help people file returns.
"We take care of people of all ages. We can handle people with a very simple return to a fairly complex return. "
Jagolinzer says many of the tax-help sites have evening and weekend hours to accommodate different schedules. Drop-ins and appointments are welcome; just be sure to bring as much of your information as possible.
"The first thing that they would want to bring with them, if they can find it, is a copy of last year's tax return, and then social security cards of everybody that they are going to claim on their tax return, and then all of the 1099s and W-2s."
Jagolinzer says all the volunteer Tax Aide counselors must pass IRS certification exams, and are kept up to date with changing tax laws every year.
Most returns are filed electronically and many taxpayers will receive their refunds within a week or two.
To find a Tax Aide site near you,
call 1-888-AARPNOW, or go to www.aarp.org
* Click here to view this story on the Public News Service RSS site and access an audio version of this and other stories: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/18280-1
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
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