WS Chronicle

By Judie Holcomb-Pack

It may only be January, but we all know that April 15 is looming ahead and that can only mean one thing: it’s tax season. Time to gather up W2s, investment income statements, receipts for possible deductible expenses, donations to charity, and other necessary information. For a quick list of all documentation you will need to gather and bring to your tax preparer, go to https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/info-01-2011/important-tax-documents.html.

For some older adults with limited income, such as just Social Security and perhaps a small pension, there is a maximum amount you can earn and not have to file taxes. Consult your tax preparer to determine your status.

For those who need assistance filing their taxes, AARP provides help for taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income. This service, through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, provides tax assistance to anyone, free of charge. You do not need to be a member of AARP  to use this service. They will even send your return electronically so that you will receive your refund faster.

Since 1968, Tax-Aide IRS-certified volunteers have helped over 80 million taxpayers receive all the credits and deductions they’re entitled to. Their volunteers are recertified every year and understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code. For those who prefer to do their own taxes, but need some advice, they will also provide coaching so you can prepare them yourself. 

Andy Surasvy is the local coordinator for AARP Tax Aide for the Winston-Salem branch. A volunteer for nearly 20 years, Surasvy said that this service is funded through the AARP Foundation, with about 50% coming from  IRS funding, and the rest through grants. The service usually operates out of local library branches, but in 2020 the pandemic restricted their ability to service as many taxpayers as they usually did. However, they persevered through the pandemic. Surasvy remembers that because there were fewer volunteers willing to work during the pandemic, they could only process a limited number of returns. The libraries also closed to outside visitors, so Burkhead United Methodist Church offered an office to work out of and they set up a website and dedicated phone number. Taxpayers would drive up and drop off their paperwork, the volunteers would take it inside to prepare the return while the taxpayer would go somewhere to wait until the return was finished, then they would drive back up to receive it. “It was a challenging way to  work,” said Surasvy, but he appreciated the volunteers who came out to help. The following year they were able to see taxpayers in person, but requested that they had received the COVID vaccination to protect the volunteers.

Tax Aide is now back in local branches of the Forsyth County Public Library on a varying schedule, depending on the day of the week. Appointments are requested, but they do try to accommodate walk-ins when there is a volunteer available.

Surasvy said a website should be up in mid-January to request appointments. Hours are 9 a.m.-1 p.m. They are looking for volunteers and need about 30 tax counselors and 10-15 facilitators through the tax season. All volunteers must go through an orientation, training and pass a test to become IRS certified. Every tax return is reviewed for accuracy. If you’re interested in volunteering for this important service for seniors, please call Andy Surasvy at 708-227-4907.

To find out more, go to https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide.html and click on the Service Locator Tool to find local locations, dates and times of available appointments. The website should open around mid-January.