Submitted by Stan Krieger, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program
Area residents can obtain free assistance in preparing and filing their 2018 income tax returns through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. There are no age or income limitations for participation in this program, nor is AARP membership required, but taxpayers with complex returns may be advised to seek paid assistance. Free assistance will be provided at the New Providence Senior Citizens Center (NPSCC), 15 East Fourth Street, New Providence, by volunteer tax counselors under a program sponsored jointly by the AARP, the Internal Revenue Service, and the New Jersey State Division of Taxation.
Assistance will cover individual federal and NJ state income taxes, the NJ Homestead Property Tax Rebate, and the NJ Property Tax Reimbursement Program (PTR-1 or PTR-2 as applicable). All returns will be filed electronically, resulting in refunds being received typically in about four weeks after filing. If a balance is due to either the IRS or New Jersey, taxpayers will be provided with vouchers to submit along with their payments by April 15, 2019.
Tax counselors will be available on Saturdays and Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. through Monday, April 15, 2019. Taxpayers seeking assistance in preparing and filing their returns may call the NPSCC at 908-665-0046 between 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays to schedule an appointment, or they may sign up at the center. The Internal Revenue Service is again advising taxpayers to file their returns as early as possible to reduce the potential for identity theft.
Taxpayers must bring government-issued photo identification, social security cards of persons filing and of any dependents listed on the return, copies of their 2017 federal and state returns, and any 2018 federal forms W-2, 1099-R, 1099-INT, 1099- DIV, 1099-B, SSA-1099, etc., documentation of the amount of rent or real estate taxes paid in 2018 and of other expenses, such as mortgage interest and medical expenses, if they wish to itemize deductions. If there is any income from self-employment, which includes income reported in Box 7 of form 1099-MISC, taxpayers need to bring documentation of all business income and expenses, including miles driven for business, office supplies, and materials. As per IRS regulations, we cannot prepare tax returns if business expenses exceed $25,000, the business shows a net loss, business assets include an inventory, or business expenses include use of home, depreciation, or salary payments to employees or contractors.
Taxpayers who wish to have their refund directly deposited or any balance due direct debited from their checking account will need to bring a check showing their bank’s routing number and their account number. Finally, in the case of taxpayers filing joint returns, both need to be present to authorize the electronic filing.
