Free TAX-AIDE service starts in February

RS-certified AARP TAX-AIDE volunteers will be available again this year to prepare and electronically file tax returns at several sites in the Sequim area.

IRS-certified AARP TAX-AIDE volunteers will be available again this year to prepare and electronically file tax returns at several sites in the Sequim area.

The service is free of charge. The TAX-AIDE program is sponsored by the IRS and the AARP Foundation, and is available for low- and middle-income taxpayers of all ages.

The TAX-AIDE volunteers will be available starting on Feb. 1 and extending through the tax season in April. An appointment is required at most sites.

The TAX-AIDE volunteers are authorized to prepare most basic tax returns, making sure that the taxpayer receives all the eligible deductions and credits. They do not prepare returns for taxpayers that have income from rental properties or for taxpayers with complicated business returns.


What to bring

Taxpayers should bring the following with them to the TAX-AIDE site:

• Photo ID (required)

• Social Security cards for taxpayer, spouse, and all dependents (required)

• W-2 from each employer

• All 1099 forms (1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B, 1099-C, 1099-R, 1099-MISC, SSA-1099, 1099-G, etc.) These include interest, dividend, stock sale, cancellation of debt, retirement, self-employment, Social Security and unemployment compensation.

• Documentation of health insurance coverage for taxpayer, spouse, and all dependents. Bring Form 1095, if received.

• Copy of 2014 tax return

• Check or bank document with routing and account numbers, if direct deposit of the refund is desired

• Any other documents necessary to complete your return. For example, cost of stock sold, tuition statements, and receipts necessary to itemize deductions, if applicable.


TAX-AIDE sites in the Sequim area:

• Shipley Center. By appointment on Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 683-6806 for an appointment

• Port Angeles Library. Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. First-come, first-served. No appointment required.

• Port Angeles Senior Center. By appointment on Mondays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 457-7004 for an appointment.