AARP Tax-Aide Tax Preparation SW Washington, FAQs

What do I need to bring?

Picture identification of the Taxpayer and documentary evidence of the social security numbers, typically the social security card, for all persons on the return. The date of birth will be requested for every person listed on the Tax Form

The prior year tax return with all attachments and schedules. (The current tax year booklets are NOT required)

All income documents including W-2's, interest and dividend statements (1099-INT and 1099-DIV), Social Security statements (SSA-1099), Retirement income (1099-R, 1099-RRB, etc.), and other income such as self employed business income (1099-MISC), jury duty pay, prior year state tax refunds, unemployment income (1099-G) and gambling income. Records of gambling losses should also be provided. If you are receiving a pension that you contributed after tax dollars to, we will need the date you started receiving the pension and your age at that time.

If you have investment income, bring all 1099-B and brokerage statements. Documentation of the date and price of acquisition and sale of capital assets such as stocks, bonds is required.

If claiming dependent care, bring information on the provider including name, Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number(SSN), address and payment made to each provider.

If claiming education expense, the 1098-T from the educational institution or other written proof of actual expenses is recommended.

Complete written documentation for all items being claimed as itemized deductions including medical, interest paid, taxes, contributions, and other miscellaneous items.

Any documents relating to items on the Tax Updates page.

Any other documents related to the tax return (it may help to look through your prior year return as a guide).

Can anyone get tax preparation help at an AARP Tax-Aide site?
Almost anyone can receive free assistance, as long as the tax return does not exceed the scope of the program as outlined by the IRS and AARP. We cover many areas of the tax code that apply to our clients but an example of something that we do not do is married filing separate returns. We file only individual income tax returns returns using IRS Form 1040.

May I make an appointment?
Taxpayers are generally served on a first-come, first-serve basis except that in busy times, preference will be given to seniors over age 60 on request and those whose health may limit their ability to wait in long lines.

Is it really free – even the e-filing of a return?
Yes, there is no charge; tips and gratuities are not solicited nor accepted at the site.

Can I make a contribution for services rendered
Contributions are not required for service, and we do not in any way solicit them. However, if a taxpayer still would like to make a contribution then it must be made to the “AARP Foundation Tax-Aide” and we would ask that you include: “For the benefit of AARP Tax-Aide Washington District 1” on the lower left of the check. The contributions should be sent to AARP Foundation, ATTN: AARP Tax-Aide Program, 601 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20049. Ask your Tax-Aide tax preparer for a form that can be sent with your contribution so it is credited to our local program.

Do both spouses need to be present?
Electronic returns using Form 8879 must be signed and the form may be taken home and signed by the spouse and returned to the site if both are not present. In this case the return cannot be e-filed until the signed form is returned to the Tax-Aide site

What forms can be prepared?

1040 with schedules A (Itemized deductions), B (Interest and dividends), C-EZ (income from a business with less than $5,000 expenses, no loss and no inventory), EIC (Earned Income Credit), R and SE (Self-Employment tax); also simple Schedule D’s (Capital gains and losses including the sale of a personal residence)

Forms 1040-V, 1040-ES, 2441 (Child and dependent care), 8812 (Additional Child tax credit and 8863 (Education Credits).

What forms can NOT be prepared?

Schedule F (Farm Income)

Forms SS-5 (Request for Social Security Number)

2106 (Employee Business Expense)

3903 (Moving)

8283 (if non-cash contributions are in excess of $5000)

8606 (Non-deductible IRA)

8615 (Minor’s Investment Income).

There are limitations on Schedule C (Self-employment) and Schedule E (Rents and Royalties).

How about information from a K-1?
Returns may include information from simple K-1’s that contain interest, dividends, and Royalties. Those with depreciation and complex issues should be handled by a paid professional.

Are state returns prepared?
Oregon Resident, Non-Resident, Partial Year Resident returns can be prepared and e-filed in conjunction with the Federal Tax Return. No other State tax returns are prepared

Can you prepare returns for people with ITINs?
Yes, in most cases we can prepare tax returns for taxpayers with ITINs. You must show us a copy of the original document assigning the ITIN for everyone on the return with one. We can also prepare the paper return required to obtain an ITIN, though you must obtain the Form W-7 that has to accompany it from the IRS or another source.

Can you prepare prior year returns?
Yes, we can usually prepare prior year Federal and Oregon returns for the past 3 years, though they cannot be e-filed. You must bring all of the same documentation that is required for a current year return.

If I arrive before closing time, will my return be completed?
New returns are generally not started during the last hour listed for the site. Upon arrival, the client facilitator will advise persons of the likelihood of being served that day. Taxpayers may be referred to another site and/or advised to return on a different day if it appears service cannot be provided that day.

Does the taxpayer need to complete any forms?
Yes, each taxpayer is required to complete the “AARP Tax-Aide INTERVIEW AND INTAKE SHEET” before the return can be started – this form is provided at the site. If necessary, assistance in the preparation of this form is available from the Client Facilitators and Counselors.

How do I know you will prepare my return correctly?
All counselors are required to attend tax training classes which include both Federal and Oregon tax return preparation. All counselors are required to pass an IRS certification test annually which establishes proficiency and performance with regard to preparing tax returns within the scope of the program. Counselors also must show proficiency in use of the tax preparation software used at our sites as well as knowledge and application of Oregon tax law.

In addition, once the tax counselor completes a return another certified counselor will be asked to perform a Quality Review of the return. The Quality Reviewer confirms that the preparing counselor has done the return correctly and completely, and corrects any errors if found. In addition, every site is staffed with experienced counselors who assist each other on difficult returns or tax law questions. Our focus is always on filing accurate and quality returns.