Bury Your Nose In A Book For Less
Are you a book lover who cant always find what you want at the library? The;AARP Bookstore;offers AARP members 40% off select titles when ordered directly from the publisher. You can also get ebooks and free downloads on health, food, technology, money and work, home, family and caregiving, and more..
Get Dental And Vision Insurance
As you age, eye health and oral health are more important than ever. The AARP® MyVision Care;provided through EyeMed offers AARP members a choice among three vision insurance plans. These include comprehensive eye exams with minimal copays and deep discounts on lenses and frames. AARP also offers;dental insurance, administered by Delta Dental, that features large dentist networks, limits on out-of-pocket costs and guaranteed acceptance for AARP members.
Additional Information For Current Tax Season
If you wish to file your taxes yourself, there will only a limited supply of major tax forms at your library. You may visit us and help yourself to available forms, or library staff may print out requested forms at a cost of $0.15 per page. You also have the option to access tax forms online by visiting the Internal Revenue Service website from home.
If you would like to order copies of forms and publications directly from the IRS, you may do so by visiting the IRS website.
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Which Option Is Best For You
My honest and short answer is that it depends. For most of us, choosing online tax prep software will work perfectly well. Most people who have used online software will tell you it is very intuitive and thorough. If youre debating about a deduction, the software will walk you through the pros and cons. If you arent even sure of which forms you need, the software will explain. The process is incredibly comprehensive and educational.
However, if you simply feel more comfortable going to a licensed tax professional in person, theres nothing wrong with that.;
That said, there are plenty of options that make it easy to file your taxes online. The point is that filing online is the way to go if you dont have an extremely complex financial situation. Remember that you can go through the process of preparing your taxes with an online software and if you arent satisfied when it comes time to fileyou dont have to pay! You can take the information and walk into an H&R Block or have a tax professional complete it for you.
The bottom line is that the more complex your financial situation is the more likely it is that you should use a professional, like a CPA, to help you with tax planning and filing your taxes. For the rest of us, filing online is the way to go.
Entertain Yourself While Waiting In Line
You dont have to let apps and games drain your bank account a buck at a time. AARP offers;free online games;for members. Enjoy lots of classics from backgammon to daily jigsaw puzzles and mahjongg to solitaire. Some games are available to anyone, while others are for AARP members only. The bonus? Online games can help keep your mind sharp.
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Supercharge Your Rewards Earnings
Loyalty programs from airlines, credit card issuers, and retailers are a great way to live large and get more for your money. AARP offers several ways to maximize your rewards. You also can link your AARP membership card to your Walgreens Balance Rewards account to earn 50 points for every $1 you spend in the store.
Irs Tax Help Programs
The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is available to taxpayers who generally make $57,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and taxpayers who speak limited English. The IRS also offers a free Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program for all taxpayers, particularly those who are age 60 and older. VITA and TCE volunteers are IRS-certified and these sites are open from February through April.
It is worth noting that there is some crossover between the TCE program and the AARP Tax-Aide program. Nonprofit organizations receive grants from the IRS to provide free tax counseling to their local community members.
Unfortunately, during the 2021 tax filing season, some VITA and TCE tax sites are operating at limited capacity while others are not opening at all. The IRS offers many other online resources and tax help tools, including IRS Free File.
To learn more about VITA and TCE, find an open site near you, or explore other IRS tools and publications, visit the IRS website.
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Area Agencies On Aging
There are Area Agencies on Aging serving seniors in communities across the United States. AAAs offer an array of services, benefits and information to help support seniors and family caregivers. Since IRS and AARP tax help appointments are filling up quickly at sites across the country, you may need to look into alternate sources of assistance. Try contacting your AAA to see if there are other free or low-cost tax preparation resources available in your local community.
Before showing up to any free tax preparation location, check if you need to make an appointment first. Typically, some sites offer assistance on a walk-in basis, but many are requiring pre-set appointments this year to ensure social distancing and other COVID-19 safety protocols are enforced. Be sure to bring all necessary tax documents and information for the volunteers to help you. The IRS publishes a checklist of things taxpayers should bring to their income tax return preparation sites here.
Due To Coronavirus Concerns Aarp Foundation Tax
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, the nation’s largest free, volunteer-based tax preparation and assistance service, has announced that there will be adjustments to the program in 2021.The Tax-Aide site locator www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaide can help you learn about the type of tax preparation service that will be offered in a particular area. Decisions on whether a Tax-Aide site offers an all-virtual, light contact or in-person approach will be based on safety and health data from Johns Hopkins about presence of virus in a particular area.The site locator will be regularly updated, and short notice changes are possible given the nature of the virus.;Please note that the tax filing deadline for individuals has been extended to May 17, 2021. You can read the full IRS statement here.About AARP FoundationAARP Foundation works to end senior poverty by helping vulnerable older adults build economic opportunity and social connections. As AARP’s charitable affiliate, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike. Bolstered by vigorous legal advocacy, we spark bold, innovative solutions that foster resilience, strengthen communities and restore hope.
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Documents To Bring With You:
- Previous year’s tax return.
- Social Security number or taxpayer identification numbers for each person on the return.
- Checking or savings account information;to direct deposit any refund;or direct debit any amounts due.
- Identity protection PIN for each individual, if applicable.
- W-2 for each employer.
- 1099-G form for unemployment compensation or state and local income tax refunds.
- SSA-1099 form showing the total Social Security benefits paid to you for the year;or RRB-1099, Tier 1 Railroad Retirement benefits form.
- Any other 1099 forms reporting items such as;interest, dividends, proceeds from sales and distributions from pensions, annuities;and;IRAs.;
- If you have a business, a summary list of all your cash and non-cash;income and all business-related expenses.
- Records of any federal and/or state and/or local income tax paid, including quarterly estimated tax payments,;if not shown on income documents.
If you plan to itemize deductions:
- 1098 form showing home mortgage interest.
- A summary list of medical/dental/vision expenses, including doctor and hospital bills and medical;insurance premiums, prescription medicines, assisted living services, long-term insurance and bills for medical-related home improvements such as ramps and railings for people with disabilities.
- Summary of cash and non-cash contributions to charity.
- Property tax bills paid during the year .
Save On Car Insurance
Your years of driving experience help make you a better driver. When you sign up for the;AARP® Auto Insurance Program;from The Hartford, you can get rewarded with lower premiums. Also, enjoy a discount for the next three years when you complete the;AARP Smart DriverTMCourse. Just send The Hartford a copy of your certificate or update your;policy online;to receive a credit on your car insurance premium.
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Program Has Operated For 36 Years In Clark County And Continues Through Pandemic
CLARK COUNTY Charles Humble was helping a single mom file her taxes. She had her children with her and it was challenging, but they got it done. When she saw her return amount, her eyes filled with tears of joy. It was thousands of dollars.
I can finally fix my car, she said.;
The whole process to get her that tax help still operates today, and its 100 percent free for anyone who needs it.;
The gratitude even people who are just normal people have, theyre just so relieved to get their taxes done and know that theyre done right, said Humble, who is now a representative for the program. We have people who have been coming back every year for, you know, 15 years, and they just count on it.
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program is taking appointments for its free tax preparation and e-filing services. Due to the limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional face-to-face preparation with a Tax-Aide counselor is being replaced with a Contact-Free approach, but the process is still simple.
Anyone wishing assistance with their tax preparation must first make an appointment. Appointments for taxpayers living in Clark and Skamania counties can be requested by calling 302-2641 and leaving a voicemail. A volunteer will call back to set up an appointment. Assistance may also be requested through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide website at www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaide.
Information provided by AARP Foundations Tax-Aide program
Stretch Your Dining And Entertainment Dollars
You may already know that AARP has deals with restaurants that allow members to trim the fat from their restaurant bills. Most;participating restaurants;offer AARP members 10% to 15% off their total. Restaurants that offer discounts include Bonefish Grill, McCormick & Schmicks, and Outback Steakhouse. Want to see a show after dinner? You can also get 20% off online ePremiere Tickets purchased online that can be used at Regal movie theaters nationwide.
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#visit Wwwaarpfoundationorg/taxaide For Alternatives
The Jacksonville Public Library is proud to partner with the American Association of Retired Persons TaxAide during the tax season each year to provide FREE tax preparation.
Taxes will be prepared BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
Visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide and submit your ZIP code for the nearest location to schedule an appointment.
AARP Tax-Aide sites are serviced by IRS-certified volunteers that provide free tax counseling and preparation services to millions of low-and middle-income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 50 and older. There is no income or age limit for assistance at AARP Tax-Aide sites. However, AARP sites cannot assist rental property owners or small business owners.
How Much Does A Professional Cost
The National Society of Accountants indicates that tax professionals charge an average of $176 for a regular Form 1040 with no itemized deduction, including a state return. This jumps to $273 for those who itemized their deductions, and to $184 for self-employed individuals who must file Schedule C with their return.
You can expect prices to be higher in regions with higher costs of living, or if your tax return is particularly complex.
You can also find;free tax preparation services;through local non-profits if you qualify.
- The;Volunteer Income Tax Assistance; provides free tax preparation services to people who earn $65,000 or less per year as of tax year 2020. You can also qualify if you’re disabled or if English is your second language.
- Taxpayers age 60 or older can find free tax preparation services through;Tax Counseling for the Elderly;.
- The;AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide;program is similarly offered in conjunction with the IRS.
These programs often set up space at local community centers, colleges, or libraries during the tax season.
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Cut The Cost Of Home Insurance
Get a discount through the;AARP® Homeowners Insurance Program;from The Hartford. The program offers valuable coverage for your personal property and protection against personal liability. A range of options are available to meet your needs whether you own a house or condo, or youre a renter. Save even more when you bundle your home and auto policies.
Cannot Get Into My Rewards Account
I can sign into my AARP account, but I cannot get into the My Rewards section. It asks me to log in and I get this:;SORRY, WE ARE HAVING TROUBLE ACCESSING YOUR ACCOUNT
I’ve tried changing passwords. I also renewed my membership in AARP , because I thought it had expired and that was the problem.
This started a few weeks ago. I talked to a support person in chat who told me others are having the same issue and “it’s being worked on.”
;Thank you for taking the time to let us know.;The Rewards platform is experiencing an issue that is affecting some of our user profiles that enables them to login/access the Rewards website.;We are working to resolve with an estimated completion date towards the end of September. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. I have awarded your account a points adjustment to make up for the time that you are unable to access your account. I’m always here to help, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything further.;
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Read The Aarp Magazine
As a member, you receive;AARP The Magazine, which offers practical, usable advice on topics important to readers aged 50-plus. This includes info on health, money and wellness. Recent topics include exercising without breaking a sweat, raising funds fast and cutting your grocery bill by having a garden. Gee says she loves getting the magazine to learn about topics like scams targeted at older Americans, along with the latest info on Medicare and Social Security benefits. You can also access the magazine digitally by downloading the AARP Publications iPad app.
Ways To Get Free Tax Help
In response to the pandemic, Tax-Aide will offer four options to help taxpayers fill out and file their tax returns:
- In-person: In Tax-Aide’s traditional in-person service, tax counselors prepare and file tax returns now with strict physical distancing and masking requirements in place.
- Low-contact: Taxpayers meet with Tax-Aide volunteers in one or two short, in-person meetings to exchange documents.
- Contact-free: Taxpayers interact with Tax-Aide counselors online and by phone and exchange documents electronically.
- Self-preparation: Tax-Aide gives taxpayers free access to software so they can prepare their own taxes. Taxpayers can also get help from a Tax-Aide counselor to coach them through the process via computer screen-sharing.
Note that this season, all of Tax-Aide’s services are by appointment only.
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The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
VITA is manned by a community of IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax preparation services for people who earn $54,000 or less as of 2020. Taxpayers with disabilities, those who have limited English language skills, and the elderly are also eligible.
VITA is funded partly by grants from the IRS, and it has community locations in shopping malls, schools, and libraries. Most are available from February through April, but some remain open until the filing extension deadline in October.
VITA will help you prepare your tax return, and most locations will e-file your tax return for you as well. You can find a local VITA site by searching on the IRS tool provided online, or call toll-free at 800-906-9887.
Volunteer With Aarp Foundation Tax
Would you like to make a difference in the lives of people right in your own community? As an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteer, you can help people who cant afford to pay for professional tax preparation and often miss out on much-needed tax breaks, deductions, and refunds. You can help put money back in their pockets.;
You dont have to be a tax pro to volunteer with us there are many ways to get involved and connect with people in your community.;Whatever your skill set, theres a role for you! Learn more about how to volunteer with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide.;
Join our team of volunteers in time for next season to help people in your own community.;
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How To Reach Tax
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide service will be available through April 15. For more information, including what types of service are available near you and which documents you will need, visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or call 888-AARPNOW .
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers can help with most but not all tax returns. For example, if you are eligible and did not receive all or part of a stimulus payment to which you are entitled, they can help you get a tax credit for the amount you’re owed. You can also get help with earned income tax credits, childcare credits, estimated taxes and more. If you have an extremely complicated return, such as one that involves a small business with employees, rental income or alternative minimum taxes, Tax-Aide may not be able to help.
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