The deadline to file your 2012 tax returns is almost here! Monday, April 15th, 2013 is the last day you can file your 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ Forms with the IRS. It’s also the last day you can request an Automatic Extension (Form 4868), which gives you an extra six months to file your return (your taxes still need to be paid by April 15th, however). And if you contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA, a Health Savings account or a 401k, April 15th 2013 is the last day you can make a contribution for the 2012 tax year.
Free Tax Help for the Elderly
Are you over 60 years old? Do you make less than $51,000 a year? If you answered yes to either of those questions, you can take advantage of several free programs the IRS offers to assist you in filing your taxes!
The VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program generally offers free tax help to people who make $51,000 or less and need assistance in preparing their individual returns. There are thousands of VITA sites across the country, staffed with IRS-certified volunteers. To find the VITA site nearest you, the IRS offers this VITA Locator Tool, or can also call 1-800-906-9887.
For those over 60, the IRS offers a Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program free-of-charge. The TCE program is staffed with IRS-certified volunteers who are knowledgeable about pensions and retirement issues important to seniors. Many TCE sites are operated by the AARP Foundation’s Tax Aide Program, which provides similar free services to its members. To find the TCE or AARP Tax-Aide sites nearest you, you can use this AARP Site Locator Tool, or call 888-227-7669.
In addition, the IRS offers a self-assistance service at many VITA and TCE locations. If you have a simple tax return and need some assistance, or if you don’t have access to a computer, an IRS-certified volunteer can help you file at any participating VITA and TCE site.
What Documents Do I Need to File My Taxes?
If you’re taking advantage of the free IRS VITA or TCE programs, you’ll need to bring all of your documents with you! Don’t forget to bring your:
- Proof of Identification (Picture ID)
- Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (for you, your spouse and dependents)
- Wages and earning statements (W-2s)
- Interest and dividend statements (1099s)
- A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available
Depending on your tax status, more documentation may be required. A comprehensive list of required documents can be found on the IRS Website.
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