No one likes paying taxes. And almost as bad is figuring them out.
Plowing through all those IRS forms and regulations can be particularly tough for folks without accountants or access to other help.
Fortunately — in conjunction with AARP and the IRS — Westport’s Department of Human Services provides a free, full-service tax assistance program. Special attention is paid to senior citizens, and low to moderate income households. (It is available to all filers, regardless of income or age.)
Tax preparation and electronic filing of federal and state taxes is offered from January 27 (early) through April 15 (really, really late) at 2 locations.
The Senior Center program runs Wednesdays (9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) and Thursdays (1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.). Call 203-341-5099 for appointments.
The Town Hall program runs Mondays, from 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Call 203-341-1050 for appointments.
Nationwide, more than 35,000 IRS-certified volunteers help out, at nearly 5,000 sites. Last year, 748 returns were filed in Westport.
Tax forms can be daunting for anyone.
If married, both spouses should be present at the appointment. Taxpayers must bring:
- Copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns
- Government-issued photo ID
- Social Security or ITIN numbers for all taxpayers and dependents
- Bank account/routing numbers (blank check preferred) if expecting a refun
- SSA1099 if you were paid Social Security benefits
- W-2s from employers
- W-2G from gambling winnings
- 1099G from unemployment compensation payments
- 1099s: bank interest, stock dividends, retirement distributions, broker statements
- Receipts for deductible expenses, including real estate and vehicle taxes paid
- Verification of the original purchase price of sold assets (home, stocks, etc.)
- Receipts/canceled checks if itemizing deductions (charitable contributions, etc.)
- Form 1095-A if health insurance was from the Access Health Connecticut Marketplace.
For more information, call the Department of Human Services: 203-341-1050.
NOTE: The “tax assistance program” refers to helping figure out your taxes — not actually paying them. Damn!