Elk Grove center offers seniors free tax preparation service

Seniors age 60 and over, and those with low to moderate incomes, may sign up at the Elk Grove Senior Center to have their 2010 federal and state income tax returns prepared. The volunteers for the IRS-AARP Tax Aide Service are available to help.

The Elk Grove Sheila Ray Adult Center is located at 225 E. Elk Grove Blvd., in Elk Grove Village. Both electronic and paper filing is available. Tax returns are prepared on Wednesdays and Fridays from Feb. 2-April 13. The appointment times are 9 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

AARP trained and certified volunteers prepare the returns in this IRS-AARP Tax-Aide Service. Federal form 1040 with schedules for interest, dividends, itemized deductions, and capitol gains can be prepared. Also forms C-EZ and SE for persons with self-employment income and expenses under $2,500.

The Tax-Aide service cannot prepare complicated returns including Schedule C profit or loss from business, Form 8606 nondeductible IRA’s, out-of-state gambling winnings and out-of-state sale of property. Even if you take a standard deduction, you should bring in your real estate tax bill to see if you qualify for an additional deduction.

Due to recent changes in tax laws, taxpayers will have to wait to file if they fall into any of the three following categories: claiming itemized deductions on Schedule A, claiming the higher education tuition and fees deduction or claiming the educator expense deduction. If you fall into one or any of these categories you may still make an appointment, but not until late February. There is no cost for this service.

For information and to schedule an appointment call the Elk Grove Park District Sheila Ray Adult Center at (847) 364-7224.