Free Tax Assistance Program Offered in Westport

WESTPORT, CT — The free annual AARP/IRS Volunteer Tax Assistance Program for 2017 begins Jan. 30, announced Westport Department of Human Services Director Sarah Heath.

The no cost, full service initiative pays special attention to senior citizens and low- to moderate-income households and individuals. In response to increased demand, the program hours have been expanded for 2017, and tax preparation and electronic filing of state and federal taxes will be offered at two locations from January 30 through April 17.

"IRS-Certified volunteers are available to local residents of all ages and incomes at no charge," said Heath in a statement. "The Westport Department of Human Services is pleased to partner with AARP to offer this valuable service to the community."

The appointment schedule is as follows:

AT TOWN HALL – CALL 203-341-1050 FOR APPOINTMENT

Mondays*, Jan 30 – Apr 17: 1:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

(*except Monday, Feb 20 – Town Hall Closed for Presidents Day Holiday)

AT CENTER FOR SENIOR ACTIVITIES – CALL 203-341-5099 FOR APPOINTMENT

Wednesdays, Feb 1 – Apr 12: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Thursdays, Feb 2 – Apr 13: 1:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

The AARP program is the nation’s largest free, volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service, and is available to all individual filers regardless of income or age, according to Heath. It started in 1968 and since 1980, it has operated under a cooperative agreement with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Across the nation, nearly 35,000 IRS-certified volunteers provide this service at more than 5,000 sites. Last year, more than 1.5 million taxpayer returns were prepared and filed via this service throughout the country. In Connecticut, approximately 24,000 federal returns were processed. In addition, an equal number of state returns and many amended filings from last and prior years were processed, and over 730 of those returns were prepared and filed in Westport, a 60 percent increase over the prior year. Refunds received by Westport clients totaled $870,000; almost all were filed electronically.

If married, both husband and wife should be present at the appointment. Certain forms and personal and financial documents are required.

Taxpayers must bring:

Copy of last year’s Federal and State tax return(s) – IMPORTANT!

Identity Documentation:

• Government Issued Photo ID.
• Social Security or ITIN numbers for all taxpayers and dependents.
• Bank account/routing numbers (blank check preferable), if expecting a refund.

All 2016 income report forms received:

• SSA1099 if you were paid Social Security benefits.
• W-2(s) from your employer(s).
• W-2G from gambling winnings.
• 1099G from unemployment compensation payments.
• 1099s: Bank interest, stock dividends, retirement distributions, broker statements.

Other Important Documents:

• Receipts for deductible expenses including real estate and vehicle taxes paid.
• Verification of the original purchase price of sold assets (home, stocks, etc.).
• Receipts/canceled checks if itemizing deductions (e.g., charity contributions).
• Proof of Health Insurance (Form 1095-A from Health Insurance Marketplace or private plan identification).

For more information, contact the Westport Department of Human Services at 203-341-1050.

Image via Shutterstock

(Editor's Note: Patch is re-posting this story in case you missed it the first time around.)