Get free tax help from BACOA

Trained and certified AARP volunteers will assist older adults with their income tax preparation free. The appointments are private, and all your information stays confidential. All forms are filed electronically and immediately.

Tax assistance is by appointment only from February through April 13, 2016. Appointments fill up quickly, and you can make your reservation beginning in January by calling (847) 381-5030.

Eligibility

People who are 55 and older, and whose gross income is below $60,000 are eligible for this service. People of any age who are disabled are also included. We do simple taxes only - no business, ownership of multiple properties, or trusts. We can handle stock sales, IRA distributions, home sales, and half-year residency.

What you need to bring

Taxpayers need to bring the following documents for their appointment:

• Government issued identification;

• Last year's tax return;

• Social Security cards or other official documentation for yourself and all dependents;

• Power-of-attorney documents if you are handling someone else's affairs;

• Proof of insurance coverage (Medicare or other coverage);

• Checkbook or preprinted direct deposit information for your reloadable prepaid card showing routing number and direct deposit account number if you want to do a direct deposit of any refund(s).

Proof of your Income:

• W-2 from each employer;

• Unemployment compensation statements;

• SSA-1099 form showing the total Social Security benefits paid to you for the year, or Form RRB-1099, Tier 1 Railroad Retirement benefits;

• 1099 forms reporting interest (1099-INT), dividends (1099-DIV.), proceeds from sales (1099-B), as well as documentation showing the original purchase price of your sold assets, such as stocks;

• 1099-R form if you received a pension or annuity, especially if you had a portion withheld for income tax purposes;

• 1099-MISC form showing any miscellaneous income.

• Proof of any tax payments: You will need to bring proof of federal and state income tax paid (including quarterly estimated tax payments).

How you want to handle your deductions:

Most taxpayers have a choice of taking either a standard deduction or itemizing their deductions. If you have a substantial amount of deductions, you may want to itemize. You will need to bring the following information (Please make a list of your items or checks, rather than bringing the actual papers):

• 1098 form showing any home mortgage interest;

• Medical expenses - must list each expense and total costs.

For Questions, call at (847) 381-5030.

Volunteers trained by AARP and support from the Barrington Area Council on Aging make this free tax assistance program possible. The Council on Aging promotes vibrant, healthy aging by providing activities, education, and support to adults and caregivers to assist with #agingbetter.

The Barrington Area Council on Aging is a public, not-for-profit, charitable organization, incorporated in 1985.