AARP Tax Help

Carroll County residents seeking help filing their tax returns should look no further than the AARP’s Tax-Aid program, a free service that helps low-to-moderate income taxpayers, with a special emphasis placed on senior citizens.

This year, volunteers from the Tax-Aide program will be available in the Tracy Stallings Community Center (118 S White St.) in Carrollton from 9 a.m. through 1 p.m. each Thursday before April 15. Volunteers will also be present at the Powell Park Recreation Center (Leslie Drive) in Villa Rica from 9 a.m. through 1 p.m. each Tuesday before April 15. Walk-ins are welcome at both sites.

Volunteers suggest bringing the following items:

Last year's tax return

Current year's tax forms and booklet

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

Checkbook if you want to do a direct deposit of any refunds

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

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

Payments
You will need to bring all forms and canceled checks indicating federal and state income tax paid (including quarterly estimated tax payments).

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:

1098 form showing any home mortgage interest

Receipts or canceled checks for medical/dental expenses (including doctor and hospital bills and medical insurance premiums), receipts for prescription medicines, costs of assisted living services and bills for home improvements, such as ramps and railings for people with disabilities

Receipts for contributions to charity

Receipts or canceled checks for all tax income and property taxes you paid, as well as records of tax refunds

Credits

Dependent care provider information (name, employer ID or Social Security number)

Receipts, canceled checks or 1099 forms related to continuing