Time to file: SAFS now taking appointments for tax returns

Lindsay Owens, Washington Times-Herald, Ind.
·3 min read

Feb. 8—Tax time is here and volunteers at Senior and Family Services will again be assisting low income individuals as well as the elderly and those with special needs with filing both federal and state tax forms.

Last year, the team of Tax Counseling for the Elderly or TCE volunteers completed over 400 tax returns at the Washington location.

Offered through Generations Area 13 Agency on Aging and Disability, Senior and Family Services has been preparing taxes for more than 40 years now but there are some changes those planning on having their taxes completed at Senior and Family Services should know.

"We are now taking appointments," said Dave Lennen, TCE coordinator. "We will once again be doing in-person appointments."

In most cases, Lennen said appointments take 30 to 40 minutes. Bringing all the necessary documents helps to speed up that process in most cases.

The needed documents include photo IDs, Social Security cards for each person claimed, W-2 forms, pension and/or retirement plan documents, interest and dividend information, the Advanced Child Care Credit form, as well as property tax information or rental information. Those bringing in their taxes should also note if they received a stimulus check last year.

"We often have people who don't realize we need their 1099K form and that needs to be updated each year. We also need to know if your spouse passed away and their date of death," said Jodi Rook who schedules the tax appointments, "We also need to know if you had any transactions involving virtual currency and last year's tax return."

"When they leave that appointment, they will have a completed tax return," said Lennen.

Those wanting direct deposit should also bring their banking information, including a canceled check and routing information.

Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program or VITA, those who make under $55,000 can also receive tax assistance as well.

There's also a possibility older, low income individuals may be able to get a little extra back on their return this year too.

Rook said many people don't know about the SC-40, a unified tax credit for the elderly.

"Even if you don't file federal taxes, you can still file for the SC-40 tax credit with your taxes. It's not something that is required but if you qualify, it is a little extra money," she said, adding the form only takes a few minutes to complete and could net even those who do not have to file income taxes up to $140.

New this year is the option for those in Odon and Petersburg to drop off their tax papers at the library in Petersburg or the senior center at the Odon Community Building.

"We will have someone on hand on Thursdays at the library in Petersburg. They should contact the library directly to make an appointment. In Odon, tax papers can be dropped by weekdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those taxes will be completed and brought back to Odon the following week," said Rook. "Those wanting to schedule a drop off in Odon can call or text Vicky at 812-486-6334.

Rook said those with questions or needing to schedule an appointment in Washington can call Senior and Family Services at 812-254-1881. The last day to file is April 18.

While the taxes are prepared for those who meet the income guidelines free of charge, donations, which go to Senior and Family Services, are accepted.