Free Tax Preparation
At Bellingham Public Library
By AARP Tax-Aide

Trained Volunteers will Prepare Simple Returns on Computers
and File Electronically

If you need to file a tax return
- because of income
- because of tax owed - File early and pay on April 15th!! We will show you how.
- because of refund due

1) Each person on the return, including dependents, must have proof of Social Security number (photocopies are acceptable). W-2s and 1099s are not acceptable. Proof of Social Security Number can be in the form of:
a. A valid Social Security card
b. A tax return for a previous year prepared by Tax-Aide or data carried forward on our computers from last year
c. Federal or State forms such as Unemployment Insurance
d. A Social Security statement showing actual benefits received, or
e. A document entitled "Your Social Security Statement" which shows potential future benefits. This statement shows only the last four digits of the SSN. If the client has this statement along with other documents such as a 1099 or W-2 which match, we will accept it.

2) Bring valid Picture ID (Driver's License or Passport, etc) for the taxpayer.

3) Fill in the attached Interview and Intake Form (both sides) before you come, if possible.

4) If you are Married Filing Joint, bring your spouse if possible. Returns will be filed by computer and we would like both parties to sign at the site. Otherwise we will need to send forms home to be signed.

5) We cannot do returns with rental or farm income or full business returns or more than 5 stock or mutual fund sales (use other methods such as a paid professional tax preparer). Tax-Aide will not handle situations which require extra forms such as donation of more than $500 non-cash (example - car donated). Ask for the full list of restrictions if you need more information.

6) Bring all of your tax documents, especially last year's return, if possible. Bring all proofs of income and expenses. Total your expenses in each category: charity (cash), charity (non-cash), interest, prescriptions etc. No shopping bags or shoe boxes of receipts.

7) Bring your bank account information (sample check, not a deposit slip) for a fast refund.

Bellingham Public Library - Feb 02, 2008 through Apr 15, 2008 (closed Mon Feb 18)

Mondays through Thursdays Hours: 4 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays Hours: 11 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.