Free tax filing help available starts next week

Volunteers with the AARP Foundation will provide free tax-filing help at the Mason District Government Center and James Lee Community Center beginning in February.

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers help taxpayers prepare and e-file federal tax returns, while helping them get the deductions and credits for which they qualify. 

Although the program has no set income limit, Tax-Aide clients are generally low and middle-income taxpayers. The program focuses on seniors, although taxpayers of all ages are welcome.

Tax-Aide volunteers will be at the Mason Government Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, Feb. 1-April 15. The program will be available 1-8 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays; 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays.

Walk-ins are welcome. Appointments are available by calling 703-249-9961.

The James Lee Community Center, at 2855 Annandale Road in Falls Church, will have Tax-Aide volunteers Feb. 4-April 15 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30-4:30 p.m., on a walk-in basis only.

The program will not operate on Feb. 16.

Taxpayers should bring the following:

• A photo ID.
• Social Security cards for themselves and dependents.
• A copy of last year’s tax return (even if taxes were done at the same site last year).
• All tax documents they have received, including W-2s, Social Security benefit statements, 1099 interest, dividend, and pension/IRA statements, brokers’ statements, K-1s, and W-2Gs for gambling winnings.   
• Self-employed individuals should bring information about the earnings and expenses of their businesses, including the number of miles driven. 
• Taxpayers who itemize deductions should bring documents and records concerning outlays, such as mortgage interest, real estate tax, personal property tax, medical expenses, and charitable contributions. 
• Those claiming education credits should bring Form 1098-T from the relevant educational institution and records of outlays for tuition and other qualifying expenditures, such as course books.
• Taxpayers claiming residential energy credits must, for the first time, supply a four-character Qualified Manufacturer code. 
• Direct deposit of refunds and direct debit of taxes owed require the bank routing number and the taxpayer’s account number.