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Tax Preparation Information
Soon April 15 will be upon us. Here are some tips as you begin preparing your tax forms.
Free Tax Preparation Assistance
The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify.
The VITA program offers free tax preparation assistance to low and moderate income individuals. To locate the nearest VITA site, call 1-800-829-1040.
The TCE program offers free tax help to people aged 60 and older. To locate the nearest AARP Tax-Aide site, call 1-888-227-7669 or visit AARP's Internet site.
To learn more about these programs and tax prep assistance for military families, go to the IRS web site on tax preparation assistance.
Blindness Tax Deduction
Need to know what's required to take the deduction for blindness? A higher standard deduction is available if your eye condition meets the legal definition of blindness. Go to the IRS web site on exemptions, standard deductions, and filing information to read about the documentation you need to maintain for your records in order to claim the higher standard deduction for blindness.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Don't overlook this credit! The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable federal income tax credit for low- to moderate-income working individuals and families. If you work and earn low wages, you may qualify for this credit which can reduce the amount of taxes you owe and may even mean a refund. You can find out more information by visiting the IRS web site with questions and answers about the EITC. Or, visit the EITC Central web site, also sponsored by the IRS.
