Free income tax preparation for seniors, low-income taxpayers

Starting Monday and continuing through April 10, free federal and California income tax preparation and e-filing will be available at Davis Senior Center, 646 A St. Appointments, which last one hour, may be made by calling 530-757-5696.

Davis volunteers are part of the Tax-Aide program, which is sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service and the California Franchise Tax Board and is administered nationwide through the AARP Foundation.

People over 60 years old and to low- to moderate-income taxpayers are especially welcome. Trained and certified local volunteers can prepare federal and California returns involving wages and salaries, alimony, dividends and interest, capital gains, limited self-employment, unemployment, pensions, IRA distributions and Social Security payments. Tax credits include education, child and dependent care, earned income, child tax and energy-efficient property.

While most Davis clients use standard deduction, Tax-Aides also can prepare returns with itemized deductions. All returns are prepared by computer and filed electronically. The service is free.

This year, Yolo County has 40 Tax-Aide volunteers. In addition to Davis, the group offers tax return preparation at sites in Woodland, Esparto, West Sacramento and Winters. Averaging four years of tax preparation experience, many of the volunteers are retired academic, business and accounting professionals.

Tax-Aides have formal training in federal and California tax law as well as use of tax preparation software. Certification requires passing the IRS written examination each year.

Before making appointments, taxpayers should be sure to have all tax documents from employers, day-care providers, federal and state governments, pension funds, brokers, mortgage companies and the like. Social Security cards for the taxpayers and their dependents as well as last year’s tax return are also needed for the tax appointment.

When appointments are scheduled, the Senior Center will send instructions and a questionnaire to answer and bring along.

Davis tax sessions are on Monday mornings, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, and Wednesday evenings. People with income tax questions are always welcome to stop in for advice without a formal appointment.

To avoid potential problems, taxpayers are encouraged not to delay. Those owing taxes may make payments as late as the April 15 deadline, even though their returns have been prepared and e-filed much earlier.