Tax season can be a stressful time, especially for senior citizens living on a fixed income. Fortunately, there are many tax preparation services available that offer free assistance to seniors. Here are the top options:
Option 1: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program
The VITA program provides free tax help to people with low-to-moderate incomes, those with disabilities or limited English proficiency and senior citizens aged 60 years or older.
- The service is provided by IRS-certified volunteers who provide basic income tax return preparation.
- To find the nearest VITA site, you can call 800-906-9887 or use their online locator tool.
Option 2: AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program offers free tax preparation help to anyone over age 50, regardless of income level.
- Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified to handle various types of returns.
- In addition to in-person assistance at more than 5,000 sites nationwide, there’s also a virtual option available where you can get your taxes done from home using your computer and an internet connection.
Option 3: MyFreeTaxes.com
MyFreeTaxes.com is an online platform that allows taxpayers who earned less than $66,000 in adjusted gross income during the year to file federal AND state taxes for free.
- The service includes step-by-step guidance and support throughout the filing process.
As a Senior citizen looking for ways to reduce their expenses during this taxing period or any other time of investment challenge, using these tips could save them hundreds if not thousands on expensive private preparers while making sure they’re compliant with all regulations. Additionally leveraging digital channels like MyFreeTaxes will make it easy & convenient reducing possible travel times when visiting physical locations.
FAQs
Q1. Are there free tax preparation services available specifically for senior citizens?
A1: Yes, there are several free tax preparation services that cater to the needs of senior citizens. The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax preparation assistance for seniors who have low to moderate incomes or who need help understanding their tax options.
Q2. What documents do I need to bring when using a free tax preparation service?
A2: When using a free tax preparation service such as VITA or TCE, you will typically need to bring identification documents such as your driver’s license, Social Security card or other official ID; your previous year’s income tax returns; and all relevant forms related to your income including W-2s from employers, investment income statements and Social Security benefit forms.
Q3. Can I use online resources to prepare my taxes if I am a senior citizen?
A3: Yes, many online resources like TurboTax also offer guidance and tools specifically designed for seniors’ unique circumstances including pensions and retirement accounts. However, it is important to ensure that any online resource you use provides reliable information before filing your taxes electronically,and be cautious not to disclose personal information without verifying credibility of the website first.
