Susan McDaniel Havre Daily News smcdaniel@havredailynews.com
Free tax assistance and E-Filing is being offered to qualified tax filers in the moderate to low-income range. Tax Aides will help tax filers of all ages, with special attention given to those over age 60. Volunteers trained through the AARP Tax Aide program will be at the North Central Senior Citizens Center at 2 Second St. from Feb. 5 through Feb. 27 every Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. and every Tuesday from 9 a. m. until noon. Thereafter, from March 6 to April 10, they will be at the Senior Center, from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays only. No appointments are necessary. “This is a great way for seniors to save money,” Julie Turner, the local AARP Tax Aide coordinator, said. For 2006 only, the IRS is refunding from $30 to $60 for Federal Telephone Excise Tax paid. If this tax was paid on long distance or bundled telephone service billed after Feb. 28, 2003 and before Aug. 1, 2006 everyone is entitled to a refund even though not required to file a federal return for 2006. The Tax Aide Counselors will assist anyone who does not need to file a federal tax return for 2006 in preparing form 1040 EZT to obtain this telephone refund. The Senior Center is generously providing a room for Tax Aide use and free use of their copier. The Internal Revenue Service has provided a lap top computer, printer and software for electronic filing, which speeds up the filing process and assures greater accuracy of the information filed. Tax filers are asked to bring all tax-related statements, including income shown on W-2 and 1099 Forms, information relating to all other income, deductions or credits, and a copy of last year’s tax return, if available. Seniors over the age of 62 must bring 2005 property tax statements or rent receipts if they are filing for Montana Elderly Homeowner Credit. Visits to the homebound disabled can be arranged by calling 265-6683 for an appointment. There is no charge for assistance offered by AARP Tax Aides and no gratuities are accepted. All consultations are confidential and taxpayer privacy will not be violated.
