The AARP Tax-Aide program offers free personal tax preparation assistance to taxpayers of low to middle income, including those filing single, head of household, married filing jointly and students, with special attention to those ages 60 and older.
Volunteer tax counselors will be available by appointment at the Hollister Community Center, 300 West St., on Tuesday afternoons and all day Wednesdays between Feb. 3 and April 8. Those seeking help with their taxes should call Irma at 831-630-0642 to schedule an appointment.
Proof of Health Insurance Coverage: Beginning this year, taxpayers must show that everyone on their tax return has minimum essential health insurance coverage. You will need to bring information about the coverage source and months of coverage for each person. If your health insurance was through the Affordable Care Act, bring Form 1095-A, which should have been received by Jan.31, and documentation if you received a health insurance exemption.
What else should I bring to my appointment? Your 2013 federal and state returns; valid photo ID for primary and secondary taxpayers, Social Security card(s) or ITIN(s) for every person on the return; all income statements (W2, 1099 and other forms showing income from wages, interest, dividends, capital gains, stock sales or Social Security), receipts for itemized deductions and a check showing routing and account numbers to receive a direct deposit of the refund. Volunteer counselors are not trained to assist in preparing tax returns that report business, rental or partnership income.