Free Tax Help For Low To Middle Income Senior Citizens

Free Tax Help.

Low to middle income senior citizens with simple federal and state tax returns can obtain help from AARP volunteers in Chittenden, Franklin/Grand Isle and Addison counties by calling 1-888-227-7669 for a site near you.

Gather last year’s federal and Vermont tax returns, your social security card, W-2’s, forms that show the amount of your social security (SSA-1099), SSI, pension (1099-R), dividend/interest (1099-Int, 1099-Div), capital gains and other income (1099-misc). Bring your Vermont property tax bill, landlord renter’s certificate (LC-142), non-profit mobile park letter and any tax forms/ information that has been mailed to you.

You may qualify for the Vermont Property Tax Adjustment (part of your property tax) if your income is below $97,000 or a Vermont Renter’s Rebate if your income is below $47,000. You may be eligible for the Vermont Lifeline phone credit of $162/year if you are over 65 and have an income below $23,958 or are younger than 65 with an income below $20,535. You may be eligible for a Federal and Vermont Earned Income Tax Credit if you worked, were 64 or younger and had an income less than $12,590 (single and no children) or less than $39,783 (married with children).

Help is given to file simple federal 1040 and Vermont In-111 income forms and to apply for renter’s rebates (PR141), the combined Homestead Declaration AND Property Tax Adjustment Claim (HS-122) and lifeline telephone credit.

Assistance will be provided by appointment at the Georgia Library (call 524-4643 to schedule an appointment) on Wednesday and Friday mornings starting at 9 AM from 2/6/07- 4/11/08, mornings at 10:30 at the Arrowhead Sr. Center on 3/3 and 3/10 and at other sites in St. Albans (Hawk’s Nest), Burlington, Winooski, Colchester, Williston, North Hero and Middlebury.