The Link

1/29/2013
AARP NEBRASKA

Stressed about Taxes? Let AARP Tax-Aide Help Another way AARP saves you and your family money & makes things better for society

LINCOLN - Don't sweat it out this tax season. AARP Tax-Aide can lend you a helping hand if you're middle- or low-income, with special attention given to Nebraskans age 60 and over.

A nationwide partnership between the AARP Foundation and the Internal Revenue Service, AARP Tax-Aide provides free tax counseling and preparation services from Feb. 1 to April 15. Trained volunteers at AARP Tax-Aide sites across Nebraska stand ready and eager to help older taxpayers file their returns and answer their tax questions.

"We encourage people to reduce anxiety by seeking assistance from our team of knowledgeable and dedicated volunteers," said Betty Hayman, Nebraska's state coordinator for AARP Tax-Aide.

In 2012, over 13,000 Nebraskans received nearly $9 million in refunds thanks to assistance from AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers.

Besides assistance with federal and state income taxes, volunteers can help taxpayers file for the state homestead exemption, the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and the state Earned Income Tax Credit. The homestead exemption offers property tax relief to homeowners on limited incomes who are 65 or over or disabled. Hayman added that both the federal and state earned income tax credits are refundable income tax credits for low-income wage earners. To be eligible, individuals must file a return.

AARP Tax-Aide sites are located in Omaha, Bellevue, LaVista, Lincoln, Gothenburg, Grand Island, Kearney, McCook, North Platte, Scottsbluff, Sidney, Lyman, Valentine and York. To find AARP Tax-aide sites near you, call our toll- free number, 1-888-687-2277 or visit www.nebraskataxaide.org.

In order for AARP Tax-Aide to assist with your taxes, please bring:

* Copy of last year's income tax returns

* W-2 forms from each employer

* Unemployment compensation statements

* SSA-1099 if you were paid Social Security benefits

* All 1099 forms (1099-INT, 1099-DV, 1099-misc, etc.) showing interest and/or dividends, as well as documentation showing the original purchase price of your sold assets

* 1099 R forms if you receive a pension or annuity

* All forms indicating federal income tax paid

* Child care provider information (name, employer ID, Social Security number)

* A list of itemized deductions that can be supported with receipts

* Social Security numbers for all dependents

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AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for Americans 50+ and the world's largest-circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for the 50+ audience; AARP VIVA, a bilingual lifestyle multimedia platform addressing the interests and needs of Hispanic Americans; and national television and radio programming including My Generation and Inside E Street. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

(Contact: Devorah Lanner, 402-323-5425, dlanner@aarp.org)