Free Tax Assistance to Area Seniors and Residents

SUMMIT, NJ — Free tax counseling and preparation for middle- and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to those who are 60 years of age and older, is available at SAGE Eldercare, located at 290 Broad Street in Summit, on Thursdays from Feb. 9 through April 13, from 9 a.m. to noon.

During the ten-week program, SAGE will host IRS-trained volunteer tax preparers from AARP.

The assistance is provided by AARP as part of a national Tax-Aide program through its foundation in conjunction with the IRS. Area residents in Essex, Morris, Somerset, and Union Counties do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use the service.

This is a confidential service and preparation is by appointment only. To avoid end of tax season rush, earlier appointments are encouraged.

For more information and to schedule an appointment, call SAGE at 908-598-5509.

Taxpayers should bring a copy of their 2015 Federal and State income tax returns; 2016 income tax packets; 2016 real estate tax bills; Federal information forms for 2016 (W-2 forms; SSA-1099 form; 1099s for interest, dividends and other income; 1099 for pension, annuity and IRA distribution; 1099-B forms for assets sold during the year); receipts or cancelled checks if itemizing deductions; Social Security numbers for dependents; and, a photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.

SAGE is committed to being the leading provider of programs and services to meet the changing needs of older adults, their families, and caregivers throughout Union, Essex, Morris, and Somerset Counties. For more information, please call 908-273-5550 or visit www.sageeldercare.org.

— Jennifer Hinger

(Photo provided: SAGE Eldercare is currently accepting appointments for free tax counseling and preparation as part of the AARP Tax-Aide Program.)

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