Nobody is thrilled about taxes but here is some good news to take some of the uncertainty out of tax preparation. Help is at hand. Internal Revenue Service-certified volunteers with the AARP Tax Program will be available at the library to help you e-file your taxes free of charge.
Here is how the program works. Volunteers will be in the Osterneck Auditorium each Tuesday afternoon from 1 to 5 p.m. and each Wednesday morning from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning Jan. 31, and continuing through April 17. Walk-ins are welcome and no appointment is necessary.
The program is tailored to serve individuals with low to moderate income, particularly those over age 60. Regardless of your age, a volunteer will do a quick review of your situation and let you know if he or she can help you prepare your taxes. Many students also take advantage of the program to get their taxes filed.
This is what you need to do. Bring all your statements of income: W-2’s, 1099R, 1099 Misc., unemployment insurance statement, interest and dividend statements and Social Security statements. If you are married and filing jointly, it is important that you bring the Social Security Statements of all persons listed on the return. If you qualify for an education credit, bring the 1098T form provided by the institution of higher learning. If Social Security is the only source of income, an individual is not required to file.
Volunteers can prepare the Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Credit, Child and Dependent Care Credit, Education Credits, Retirement Savings Contribution Credit and the Residential Energy Credit. If the taxpayer has allowable deduction which exceed the standard deduction, proof of those deductions must be provided. The volunteer can prepare your “long form” if needed.
Individuals who have a bank account can have their federal refund direct deposited into their account. There are no charges for any of the services, including e-filing the return.
The library thanks everyone who volunteers their time and expertise to provide this valuable service to the citizens of Robeson County and we are glad to be able to help in a small way by providing the space.
— Catie Roche is the director of the Robeson County Public Library. You can reach her at croche@robesoncountylibrary.org.
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