The following is summarized from the websites of the American Association of Retired Persons: www.aarp.org/ , the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS): www.ct.gov/drs/cwp/view.asp?a=
People needing free help to complete their federal tax forms have a number of options available to them. They can seek assistance at an IRS office, call or text IRS toll free numbers for forms or questions, or bring forms to a volunteer at a site offering AARP Tax-Aide program or Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) services. All options are free to the taxpayer.
TAX ASSISTANCE BY TELEPHONE AND ONLINE
- IRS link to resources on their website: https://www.irs.gov/Help-&-
Resources
- Refund status information can be obtained four weeks after a claim has been filed, by call or texting, 800-829-4477. The following information must be given to obtain refund status: social security, filing status and refund amount.
- Tax assistance for people with hearing impairments and TTY equipment can be obtained by call or texting: 1-800-829-4059, 24 hours, Monday – Friday, 7:00am-7:00pm. People without TTY equipment may be able to obtain access through federal or state relay services.
- If an individual believes that they may have been the victim of identity theft, they should dial 1-800-908-4490.
- For more information about refunds and information on the “IRS2Go Mobile App”: https://www.irs.gov/uac/
irs2goapp
Tax Season Refund Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s), can be found at: https://www.irs.gov/refunds/
TAX ASSISTANCE AT DRS OFFICE
- The DRS offers in-person income tax filing assistance at the Bridgeport, Hartford, Norwich and Waterbury offices until April 15. DRS staff help taxpayers prepare Connecticut tax return forms only. Taxpayers must go to the office by 4:00pm and bring their completed federal tax return. No appointments are taken for tax assistance at the DRS office. Taxpayers can call or text (860) 297-5962 or 1-800-382-9463, Monday–Friday, 8:30am-4pm for assistance over the phone.
AARP TAX-AIDE PROGRAM
- AARP Tax-Aide volunteers offer free income tax assistance for low and middle income households at Tax-Aide sites during the tax season. Assistance to people ages 60+ is given priority. Local Tax-Aide sites can be found by call or texting the Tax-Aide Site Locator number: (888) 227-7669, using the Site Locator at the AARP website or going to the 2-1-1 database
Note: Some sites are by appointment only; some are walk in only.
VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA)
- Trained volunteers at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites offer free tax filing assistance from mid-January –April 18. (Dates and times vary by site) Anyone, regardless of age, can use a VITA site for assistance. VITA volunteers help taxpayers prepare basic tax return forms. The general eligibility for VITA assistance is income last year was less than $54,000. VITA sites are held at libraries, churches, senior centers and other community meeting places. Link onto the 2-1-1 website , to find a VITA site
Note: Some sites are by appointment only; some are walk in only
FORMS TO BRING TO A TAX ASSISTANCE SITE
When visiting an IRS, DRS, Tax-Aide or VITA site, bring the following:
* Photo ID for Call or Texter (and/or spouse, if filing jointly)
* If married filing jointly, both spouses must attend appointment
* Social security cards for every member of the family (if a card is lost, the taxpayer must contact the social security administration to replace card prior to having taxes prepared)
* W-2s and/or 1099’s from ALL jobs worked in 2016
* A check from the taxpayer’s checking account or a savings account number for direct deposit (NOTE: The taxpayer can open a bank account or cash card at the tax site for direct deposit if they do not have an existing account.)
* Interest statements from financial institutions (if applicable)
* Tuition and student loan information (if applicable)
* Documentation from daycare provider, if taxpayer paid for child care in 2015
* Any other income information or IRS notices received
* All 1095 forms
* Health Insurance Statements (including Health Insurance Exception Certificate, if received)
* Copy of last years tax return
SOURCES: 2-1-1 database; AARP website; Connecticut Department. of Revenue Services website; Internal Revenue Service website
INTERNET PAGE PREPARED BY: 211/pt
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: December201
(Reposted from: http://uwc.211ct.org/free–